Mobile communications resource management system

ABSTRACT

A mobile communications resource manager including a smart card configured to accept and store a user&#39;s personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions (physical tap or electronically) and communications operations, a cellular radio modem, at least one non-cellular radio modem and a controller. The controller is configured for establishing a short-range wireless connection via said non-cellular modem to at least one user accessible electronic device with human interface functionality and accepting a service request from the at least one user accessible electronic device and making a modem selection by selecting either a cellular or a non-cellular connection via a modem resident in the mobile communications resource manager to provide the communications link for the service request, based on a rule resident in the mobile communications resource manager.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION

This application claims priority to the copending provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/292,306, Attorney Docket Number IOTA-001.PRO,entitled “MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM,” with filingdate Jan. 5, 2010, assigned to the assignee of the present application,and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This application relates to a wearable, connected device which interactswith a multiplicity of (a) fixed user accessible electronic devices, (b)mobile user accessible devices, (c) and various wireless networks thattogether with automated network connection management among these nodesand networks form a seamless interactive communication, wallet and keysexperience incorporating secure personal information and credentials.

BACKGROUND

Electronics manufacturers are developing desirable portable devices,which include netbooks, Internet tablets, and personal media playersthat typically do not have mobile voice capability. Some of thesedevices are also having operating systems installed that are similar tomobile phones, which gives the manufacturer the option to include aradio interface layer and to support telephony service applications. Forexample, Google's (of Mountain View, Calif.) Android™ operating system(OS), which was originally designed for mobile phones, is being portedto various general consumer electronics. Android™ is anopen-architecture software that allows manufacturers to tailorfunctionality as they choose. Another example of this open architectureOS is Meego.

Other traditional input and display devices such as televisions, PCs,laptops/notebooks as well as emerging devices such as foldable organiclight-emitting diode screens, portable projection screens, touch screenhome electronics and touch surfaces in public spaces offer consumers analternative larger screen experience to the hand-held smart-phones. Suchscreen user interfaces may make use of communications services andnetwork access directly, and will benefit from devices like the wirelessmobile communications resource manager 200. In addition to Android™,software companies and other open operating systems (OS) like Linux areincluding mobile telephony services support, and as such may alsobenefit from integration with the services available via the MCRM 200.Further, beyond the current national Mobile Network Operator (MNO)mobile networks, Wi-Fi, to-the-door fiber expansion and new nationalmobile broadband-only networks offer an alternative mobile dataexperience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram illustrative of the scope of currentservices involving mobile communications, user accessible electronicdevices, and remote purchase transactions, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile communications resource managementsystem for providing alternate communications paths and services to avariety of different user accessible electronic devices, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a mobile communications resource managementsystem for controlling the communications modems resident in a varietyof different user accessible electronic devices, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for managing connections from mobileuser accessible electronic devices to a server of interest via aplurality of wireless communications links, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for managing connections from mobileuser accessible electronic devices to services of interest via aplurality of wireless communications links, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the communication services choices and theselection thereof, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the process involving using internalcommunications operation versus using external communications operationsto update a smart card, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a top level of data flow for a mobilecommunications resource management system, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system architecture, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial diagram of a mobile communications resourcemanager platform, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram of a mobile communications resourcemanager platform, in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for tagging an element, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for pairing a first mobilecommunications resource manager platform to a second mobilecommunications resource manager platform, in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as notbeing drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presenttechnology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the technology will be described in conjunction withvarious embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary,the present technology is intended to cover alternatives, modificationsand equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope ofthe various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present technology. However, the present technologymay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not beendescribed in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of thepresent embodiments.

Overview

Embodiments of the present technology provide a small, portable andwireless mobile communications resource manager (MCRM), a smart cardenabled device, capable of functioning as a consumer's phone, wallet andkeychain. The MCRM securely and wirelessly connects with, but notlimited to, at least one of the following user accessible electronic(UAE) devices: personal consumer electronics with easy touch screeninterfaces, general computing devices (e.g., with keyboard/mouse basedinterfaces), publicly available touch screen surfaces, and wirelesstransaction devices found at a point of sale. The UAE devices do notneed and/or have cellular modems or smart cards embedded therein tosupport telephony services or the data associated with securedtransaction services.

In embodiments of the present technology, the MCRM comprises at leastone or more smart cards, multiple radios and associated modems, and acontroller. The MCRM does not have a traditional keyboard or textualdisplay as in a cellular phone, but does support a limited userinterface. Secondary functional components of the MCRM include a USBcontroller and power connection, an on-board rechargeable battery andinternal and optionally external antennas.

Smart cards are commonly found in the market place as cellular phoneSIMs, credit cards, bank cards, health insurance cards, transit cardsand identification cards. In one embodiment, the MCRM's smart cardsinclude personal account information regarding the user andconfiguration rules having a variety of applications, such as making amodem selection based on needs and characteristics of a requestedservice or application and based on a user preference. Embodiments ofthe present technology merge the uses and capabilities of smart cardswith mobile communication capabilities to accomplish a new wirelesswallet.

With regards to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a pictorial diagram 100 illustrativeof the scope of current services involving mobile communications, useraccessible electronic devices, and remote purchase transactions isshown. As shown, FIG. 1 includes a MCRM 200 coupled with user 208. Inbrief, by way of a mobile network 102 supporting mobile telephony voiceand data 106 and over the air management 104, MCRM 200 may communicatewith the Internet 116. The MCRM 200 shall communicate with an UAE device222. The communication may include, but is not limited to, at least oneof the following: personal area network (PAN) 108, voice and dataservices via mobile telephony, APIs (application programming interfaces)and Rules for an UAE device 222 and application configuration 110 viasecurely paired and high-speed connection 112. In one embodiment, themobile network 102 may be a multi-band mobile network voice and dataconfigured RF transceiver and baseband, specifically GSM/GPRS at thistime (and create iterative versions with next GSM evolution-relatedradio access technologies such as EDGE, HSPA, UMTS and LTE (Long TermEvolution, also known as “4G”).

In one embodiment, the user 208 gives the authorization 114 for the UAEDevice 222 pairing. For example, the authorization 114 may come in thecombination of a physical button press on the MCRM 200 and/or userinteraction via the interface provided by the UAE Device 222. Onceauthorized, the UAE Device 222 may access the information 206, data 216and rules 238 of the MCRM 200 smart card 204; data 216 within theController 214; data 216 with the Flash Memory 232; information 206 andapplications within Near-Field Communications (NFC) based smart card328. The UAE Device 222 may also access the Internet 116 through atleast, but not exclusively, the following: public LAN/WAN 118, homeLAN/WAN 120 and Enterprise 122. Cloud services 124 may be accessed bythe UAE Device 222 via this route to the Internet 116, Synchronizationof the cloud services 124 and the MCRM 200 stored information 206 andpersonalized configurations of rules shall be provided for via thisroute to the Internet 116. This synchronization is also possible via thelink between the mobile network 102 and the Internet 116.

Embodiments of the present technology enable a user 208 to performfinancial transactions as well as any other function capable of a POSdevice 130 that is configured to be compatible with the MCRM 200. Aslong as a POS device 130 compatible with a MCRM 200 is available to auser 208, the user 208 need only carry the MCRM 200 to do such things aspurchase items or perform transit ticketing (e.g., bus card).

Further embodiments of the present technology enable a user 208 to usethe MCRM 200 as a keychain similar to a present day card keys or remoteentry key fobs. The user need only carry the MCRM 200 to open door locksor start a car.

Embodiments of present technology enable the user to make and receivephone calls via the limited user interface of the MCRM 200 without theneed of a connection to more robust interfaces provided by UserAccessible Electronics 222 devices.

Further embodiments of the present technology also allow a user to paira first MCRM device with a second MCRM device and transfer the userspersonal information from the first MCRM device to the second MCRMdevice. Thus a user may switch between MCRM devices for various reasons.

Further embodiments of present technology allow for the MCRM to utilizecredentials stored within either secure element 204 or 328 or memory 232to authenticate to various services and resources (e.g., websites).

Thus, embodiments of the present technology enable general computerelectronics manufacturers to offer UAE devices 222 that supporttelephony, data, and secured transaction services without an embeddedcellular modem or smart card therein. Other options of the UAE Device222 like Point-of-Sale (POS) rely on their own connections to completetransactions. It is the near-field communication element NFC 322 betweenthis and the MCRM 200 that is of interest.

The following discussion of embodiments of the present technology willbegin with a description of the terminology used herein, followed by adiscussion of the structure of the MCRM 200, and then followed by adescription of the operation of the MCRM 200.

Terminology

Cellular Phone: A mobile phone or mobile (also called cell phone or handphone) is an electronic device used for mobile telecommunications(mobile telephony, messaging or data transmission) over a cellularnetwork of specialized base stations known as cell sites. As opposed toa radio telephone, a cell phone offers full duplex communication,automated calling to and paging from a public land mobile network(PLMN), and handoff (handover) during a phone call when the user movesfrom one cell (base station coverage area) to another. Cell phonesconnect to a cellular network consisting of switching points and basestations (cell sites) owned by a mobile network operator. In addition tothe standard voice function, current mobile phones may support manyadditional services, and accessories, such as Short Message Service(SMS) for text messaging, email, packet switching for access to theInternet, gaming, Bluetooth, infrared (iRDA), camera with video recorderand Multi-media Messaging Service MMS for sending and receiving photosand video, MP3 player, radio and GPS.

Modem: A modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal toencode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signalto decode the transmitted information. Modems meant to access a networkof base stations that form a cellular network are cellular modems.Modems that use mobile phone channels (GPRS, UMTS, HSPA, EVDO, WiMax,etc.), are known as cellular modems. Cellular modems can be embeddedinside a laptop or appliance, or they can be external to it. Externalcellular modems are datacards and cellular routers. Modems that do notuse mobile phone spectrum are known as non-cellular modems.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance that may be used withcertified products that belong to a class of wireless local area network(WLAN) devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. (Current standardsallow for 144 Mb/s and 802.16m allows for 1 Gb/s. Because of the closerelationship with its underlying standard, the term Wi-Fi is often usedas a synonym for IEEE 802.11 technology. Wi-Fi is a local area networkthat uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data overdistances of a few hundred feet; uses Ethernet protocol.

Wi-Max: Wi-Max is a telecommunications technology that provides wirelesstransmission of data using a variety of transmission modes, frompoint-to-multipoint links to portable and fully mobile Internet access.The technology provides up to 10 Mbit/s broadband speed without the needfor cables. Also, Wi-Max is a standard of interoperable implementationsof IEEE 802.16 wireless networks, similar to the way the term Wi-Fi isused for interoperable implementations of the IEEE 802.11 Wireless LANstandard. Wi-Max is a long range system, covering many kilometers, thatuses licensed or unlicensed spectrum to deliver a point-to-pointconnection to the Internet and uses a mechanism based on connectionsbetween the base station and the user device.

LAN: A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a smallphysical area, like a home, office, or small group of buildings, such asa school, or an airport. The defining characteristics of LANs, incontrast to wide-area networks (WANs), include their usually higherdata-transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of a need forleased telecommunication lines. In other words, data communicationsnetwork that is geographically limited (typically to a 1 km radius)allows easy interconnection of terminals, microprocessors and computerswithin adjacent buildings. An Ethernet is an example of a LAN. Becausethe network is known to cover only a small area, optimizations can bemade in the network signal protocols that permit data rates up to 100Mb/s. (Currently, the Ethernet allows for 1 Gb/s.)

WLAN: A wireless local area network (WLAN) links devices via a wirelessdistribution method (typically spread-spectrum or OFDM radio), andusually provides a connection through an access point to the widerInternet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a localcoverage area and still be connected to the network.

Ethernet: Ethernet is a family of frame-based computer networkingtechnologies for local area networks (LANs). It defines a number ofwiring and signaling standards for the Physical Layer of the OSInetworking model, through means of network access at the Media AccessControl protocol (a sub-layer of Data Link Layer), and a commonaddressing format. Ethernet is standardized as IEEE 802.3. Thecombination of the twisted pair versions of Ethernet for connecting endsystems to the network, along with the fiber optic versions for sitebackbones, is the most wide spread wired LAN technology.

UART: A universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) is a type of“asynchronous receiver/transmitter”, a piece of computer hardware thattranslates data between parallel and serial forms. UARTs are commonlyused in conjunction with other communication standards such as EIARS-232. A UART is usually an individual (or part of an) integratedcircuit used for serial communications over a computer or peripheraldevice serial port.

RIL: A Radio Interface Layer (RIL) is a layer in an operating systemwhich provides an interface to the hardware's radio and modem on, forexample, a mobile phone. A RIL is a key component of a mobile OS. TheRIL enables wireless voice or data applications to communicate with oneor more modems on a given device. The RIL provides the system interfacebetween the OS and the radio protocol stack used by the wireless modemhardware. The RIL, therefore, also allows OEMs to integrate a variety ofmodems into their equipment by providing this interface.

The RIL comprises two separate components: a RIL driver, which processesdevice specific AT commands and events; and a RIL proxy, which managesrequests from the multiple clients to the single RIL driver. Except forPPP connections, all interaction between the OS and the device radiostack is via the RIL. (In an embodiment, PPP connections initially usethe RIL to establish the connection, but then bypass the RIL to connectdirectly to the virtual serial port assigned to the modem.) In essence,the RIL accepts and converts all direct service requests from the upperlayers (e.g., TAPI) into commands supported and understood by the modem.Traditionally, in a monolithic mobile phone device, the RIL isphysically wired via a serial channel to the cellular modem.

The RIL of the UAE 222 implements the wireless connection between theUAE device 222 application processor and its ancillary components orprocesses and the physically separate cellular modem located in the MCRM200 wearable device. In an embodiment, the connection between the UAEdevices 222 and the wearable device in the MCRM 200 utilizes standardBluetooth profiles and bypasses the RIL. In another embodiment, the MCRM200 includes the RIL.

The following is a list of some of the acronyms used throughout thedisclosure. Mobile Communications resource manager (MCRM), UserAccessible Electronic (UAE), Mobile Network Operator (MNO), Near-FieldCommunication (NFC), Over The Air (OTA), Point Of Sale (POS), SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM), Application Programming Interface (API), GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM), General packet radio service(GPRS), Local Area Network (LAN), Wide-Area Network (WAN), Personal AreaNetwork (PAN), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), Universal AsynchronousReceiver/Transmitter (UART), A Radio Interface Layer (RIL), Quality ofService (QoS), Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU), Software-Defined Radio (SDR),Light Emitting Diode (LED), and Operating Systems (OS).

Example Structure of a Mobile Communications Resource Manager

With reference now to 200 of FIG. 2, a block diagram of a mobilecommunications resource management system for providing alternatecommunications paths and services to a variety of different UAE devices222 is shown. In embodiments of the present technology, MCRM 200includes a circuit assembly 202. In one embodiment, the MCRM 200 has nohigh resolution graphical user interface [GUI] display and noalphanumeric keypad.

In one embodiment, the circuit assembly 202 is mounted to, but is notlimited to, at least one of the following: a single sided rigid circuitboard 310 (of FIG. 3); a double sided circuit board; and a flexibleplastic substrate. In one embodiment, in order to facilitate the compactsize of the MCRM 200, the circuit assembly 202 may also utilize athin-film battery rechargeable or energy harvesting technology.

The assembly may be arranged in line to reduce device width and height,or double side mounted to reduce device length. It is also possible tohinge two or more assembly areas to create foldable forms. The use offlexible substrates and foldable forms are used to create versions ofthe device (all internal components in common) which the user can wearor secure to their clothing or personal accessories. The devicecomponents shall be assembled in such a way to enable the assembly to bemounted in a variety of enclosures or form factors. To this end, avariety of manufacturing options may be utilized to create flexibilityin the assembly or assemblies designed.

In one embodiment, the circuit assembly 202 includes a smart card 204, acellular radio modem 210, at least one non-cellular radio modem 212, anda controller 214. In one embodiment, the controller 214 includes a bidirectional service request receiver and notifier 226 and a modemselector 232.

Additionally, the circuit assembly 202, in one embodiment, includes: anear field communication modem 322 of FIG. 3 configured for closeproximity data transfer (e.g., RFID tag reading, contactlesstransactions), an application processor, and a flash memory configuredfor application and data storage. In an embodiment, regarding thecellular modem 210, GSM/GPRS is utilized this time with intent to createiterative versions with next GSM evolution related radio accesstechnologies such as EDGE, HSPA, UMTS and LTE, or perhaps alternatecellular access technologies (e.g., cdma2000, SC-TDMA or other similartechnologies used by cellular service providers).

In one embodiment, the near field communication modem 322 is configuredfor use in management of connections and proximity based connectionlesstransactions of the at least one of the plurality of UAE devices 222. Inone embodiment, the personal information of the user 208, regarding theinvolvement of the near field communication modem 322, is suitable foruse in at least one of the following: commercial transactions;credential authentication; and communications operations (such askeychain applications [car locks, car ignition, door locks]).

In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication system 218 isconfigured for establishing a short-range wireless connection 220 viathe non-cellular modem 212 to at least one UAE device 222 with humaninterface 224 functionality. In one embodiment, the short-range wirelesscommunication system 218 may be Bluetooth, which supports an audio path,dial up network and data connectivity. In one embodiment, theestablishing of a short-range wireless connection 220 includes providinga password for accessing the at least one UAE device 222 determined froma lookup table accessible by the controller 214.

In one embodiment, the near field communication modem 322 includes anidentity transfer application 324 within a second secure element (smartcard) 328. In one embodiment, the applications and credentials forfinancial and other NFC (Near-Field Communciations) related trustoperations reside in the second secure element 328. For example, thesemay be of the form Java applets within a JCOP smart card. The identitytransfer application 324 is configured for enabling a transfer ofidentity and related personal and system data between at least two MCRMdevices 200 that are of a same type, wherein one of the two MCRM devices200 is a transfer initiating device. The transfer (sharing) of identityand related personal and system data enables the initiating device withshared identical credentials, as well as disabling a second device ofthe two MCRM devices 200, wherein the second device that is disabledlooses the ability to access any and all of the credentials storedwithin it. These credentials are needed for communication, transactionor identity authentication.

In one embodiment, the MCRM 200 includes a memory 246. The memory 246,in one embodiment, may be considered to be a holder of secureinformation. In one embodiment, the memory 246 is configured foraccepting and storing information 206 that is suitable for use incommunications operations. The information 206 is associated with a user208 of the MCRM 200. In another embodiment, the MCRM 200 is configuredfor accepting and storing a user's 208 personal information suitable foruse in commercial transactions and communications operations or otherpersonal credentials. It should be appreciated that commercialtransaction as described in the present technology may be eitherelectronic of physical tap commercial transactions. A physical tap maybe when a first device is brought into close proximity with a seconddevice which enables a Near Field Communication system to becomeactivated which in turn activates an automatic data transfer function.

In one embodiment, the MCRM 200 includes a smart card acceptor moduleconfigured for accepting a foreign smart card associated with a userOTHER THAN user 208 into the MCRM. Upon insertion of a foreign smartcard, the information 206 is temporarily removed by the MCRM 200,wherein the information 206 comprises personal information andcredentials of the user 208, such that the foreign user has no access tothat information.

With reference now to 1020 of FIG. 10, a physical embodiment of hardwaredescribed in FIGS. 1 and 2 or an example mobile communications resourcemanagement platform or system for providing alternate communicationspaths and services to a variety of different UAE devices 222 is shown.It should be appreciated that MCRM 1020 of FIG. 10 may have all thecomponents and capabilities of MCRM 200 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 depicts MCRM 1020 comprising controls 1015 which may or may notcomprise toggle switches, buttons, and other controls to be operated bya user operating MCRM 1020. Such controls may be employed for poweringMCRM 1020 on and off 1005 shows a clip that may be a component of MCRM1020 that may be employed to clip MCRM 1020 to various locations. Clip1005 may be used to clip MCRM 1020 to an article of clothing, the shouldstrap of a bag or purse or other suitable locations. 1010 shows anoptional headphone jack that may be employed with speakers and/or amicrophone.

With reference now to 1100 of FIG. 11, a physical embodiment of hardwaredescribed in FIGS. 1 and 2 or an example mobile communications resourcemanagement platform or system for providing alternate communicationspaths and services to a variety of different UAE devices 222 is shown.It should be appreciated that MCRM 1100 of FIG. 11 may have all thecomponents and capabilities of MCRM 200 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment MCRM 1100 clipped to the shoulder strap1105 of a bag that may be worn by a user. Thus it is demonstrated thatMCRM may be a small device that may be visually pleasing to an observerwhile performing is operations.

Provision of Services to Associated UAEs

In one embodiment, the smart card 204 is configured for accepting andstoring information 206 that is suitable for use in communicationsoperations. The information 206 is associated with a user 208 of theMCRM 200. In another embodiment, the smart card 204 is configured foraccepting and storing a user's 208 personal information suitable for usein Commerce or POS commerce and communications operations or otherpersonal credentials requiring secure storage.

In another embodiment, the MCRM 200 is configured to synchronizecloud-services based stored data to multiple UAE devices 222, whereineach of the multiple UAE devices 222 has its own set of rules. In yetanother embodiment, the MCRM 200 is configured to synchronize cloudservices-based stored data simultaneously without any connection fromthe UAE 222.

In one embodiment, the cellular radio 210 is configured for reading andwriting data 216 to the smart card 204. In one embodiment, the readingand writing is controllable by the host controller 214. In oneembodiment, the reading and writing is performed via over the airmethods via the mobile network 104. The reading and writing may beperformed via a linked external device. In one embodiment, the linkedexternal device is the UAE device 222.

The service request receiver 226 is configured for receiving 230 aservice request 228 from the at least one UAE device 222. The modemselector 232 is configured for making a modem selection by selectingeither a cellular or a non-cellular connection, of the cellular radiomodem 210 and non-cellular radio modem 212, respectively, via a modemresident in the MCRM 200 to provide a communications link 236 for theservice request 228 based on a rule 238 resident in the MCRM 200. Thelogical communications link 236 is between the at least one UAE device222 and a target 240 of the service request 228.

As stated herein, the UAE device 222 may be any number of electronicdevices, such as but not limited to: a laptop, an MP3 player; a personaldata assistant; and an audio headset. Further, in one embodiment, the atleast one UAE device 222 is selected from a group of devices comprising,but not limited to: an unlocked cellphone; a netbook; an Internetappliance (or tablet) a laptop computer; a desktop computer; a device;an MP3 player; a one-way audio headset; a two-way audio headset; anautomobile locking system; an automobile alarm system; an automobileignition system; an automobile display system; an automobile hands freesystem; applications processors; memory; POS; and electronic locks. Inone embodiment, the UAE device 222 is not equipped with a cellularmodem.

Further, the communications link 236 may be any number of links, such asbut not limited to: WiFi; Wi-Max; and WLAN. Moreover, the connection 242between the MCRM 200 and the UAE Device 222 is accomplished over theInternet 116 or a via PAN 112 circuit. In one embodiment, the cellularradio modem 210 includes a software-defined radio 244.

In one embodiment, the software-defined radio 244 is configured tooperate in a mode equivalent to that of a selected cellular service. Inanother embodiment, the software-defined radio 244 is reconfigurable inthe MCRM 200 to operate in a mode equivalent to that of a selectedcellular service provider. In one embodiment, a buzzer, such as avibrating element, is used to alert that an incoming call has beenreceived by the cellular radio modem 210 via a command from thecontroller 214.

In another embodiment of the present technology, the information 206 ofthe MCRM 200 includes user designated phone numbers 318 and look-uptable 320 (shown in FIG. 3). Smart card 204 includes information 206that includes user designated phone numbers 318 (shown in FIG. 3) and alook-up table 320 (shown in FIG. 3). In a further embodiment, userdesignated phone numbers 318 and look up table 320 may exist in FlashMemory 246 and be synchronized via a synchronization agent in controller214 with cloud services 124.

In an embodiment, Flash Memory 246 may be used in preference to smartcard 204 for storing personal information that may not require strongsecurity (e.g., phone books, preferences, etc).

Connection Management

In one embodiment, the memory 246 of the MCRM 200 includes rule 238.While in another embodiment, the smart card is configured for acceptingand storing rule 238. Thus, rules 238 and other configurationinformation may be located in the MCRM's 200 internal memory or onboardthe smart card 204. Rule 238 includes, but is not limited to, at leastone of the following: making a modem selection based on needs of theservice request 228; making a modem selection based on a user-selectableQuality of Service (QoS) metric; making a modem selection based on aconservation of spectrum metric; making a modem selection based on auser preference, making a modem selection based on current throughput,making a modem selection based cost to the user or cellular serviceprovider, making a modem selection based observed bandwidth usage of therequesting application or service, and making a modem selection based ona pre-programmed methodology to automate a procedure, without user 208interaction.

In another embodiment, the rule 238 includes monitoring a QoS metricavailable from the selected modem and performing a switching function toautomatically reconnect communications service to a selected server froma first selected modem to a second selected modem when the QoS metricpasses a specified metric threshold. For example, one QoS metric mightbe bandwidth availability of a given path. In this case, while thesystem may initiate a connection on what is expected to be a wellperforming path, if the actual bandwidth available is actually muchlower than the theoretical expected bandwidth, the system may choose toswitch to a path which while having a lower theoretical maximumbandwidth might in practice be less congested hence offering greaterperformance to User 208.

In one embodiment, the conservation of spectrum metric includesselecting a non-cellular modem 212 whenever possible, according toInternet availability of a connection to the service request 228 andInternet availability via the non-cellular modem connection.

In another embodiment, the conservation of spectrum metric includesselecting non-cellular modems 212 for a specific communications serviceaccording to a sharing agreement between the specific communicationsservice and a user's 208 selected cellular service.

In another embodiment, the connection manager, whose rules are containedwithin Rule 238, is able to create an optimal connection strategy basedon the information in Rule 238 and the preferences defined by the userin Data 216. In absence of distinct user preferences in Data 216, theconnection manager creates an optimal connection strategy based on Rule238. The connection manager is able to dynamically adjust the connectionstrategy based on measurements of real time connection performance.

In an embodiment, the connection manager is able to determine cost ofservice from a number of available providers and institute Least CostRouting. One example of the broadcast of rating information is NetworkCharge Rate and Advice of Charge.

In another embodiment, the connection manager may have a fixed cost fora set of service providers that each of which offer different servicelevels (e.g., GSM EDGE v. UMTS or HSPA). In this case, the system isable to maximize performance for User 208 in the execution of ServiceRequest 228 by selecting the best available (theoretically) performingservice given cost is a static factor. Conversely, the system may applyLeast Cost Routing in this situation on behalf of a service provider 102whose business is based on specific roaming relationships and henceselect a path that respects the partner that service provider 102 hasindicated offers more economical terms for roaming.

In another embodiment, the connection manager may choose to route anapplication via given path (cellular or non-cellular) based on observedapplication bandwidth requirements. That is, the connection manager hasaccess to information locally or via a network element, for example, arating service 124, on the performance of a given application on the UAE222. The connection manager is able to factor this information into theoverall connection selection for the Service Request 228. It is possiblealso for the connection manager to block access to a given path based onthis information. In a further embodiment, the MCRM may log and submitobserved behavior of applications as it relates to data usage or otherfactors back to the rating service 124 in order to formulate a moreaccurate rating. These ratings could be processed and provided in a wayso as to inform users of an application's data requirements.

In a situation where User 208 pays for data services in an a la cartefashion (e.g., by the amount of data consumed), it may be useful forUser 208 to be able to select applications they use based on the amountof data consumed. That is, in the case where a multitude of applicationsthat provide a given service, the User 208 may wish to choose one thatdoes so most efficiently. As such, the MCRM 200 and rating service 124may provide such information to other services that provide theseapplications for User 208's consumption.

In another embodiment, the MCRM 200 is able to inform the user of thestatus of an application with respect to use or need of bandwidth and beable to surface recommendations on appropriate path to network based onmanaging User 208's bandwidth use limits on accounts associated with thevarious paths available (e.g., cellular and non-cellular). Furthermore,the connection manager is able to help the user manage to a data servicesubscription limit and/or minimize their subscription costs by routingand/or blocking bandwidth intensive applications away from or toward lowcost or unrestricted paths.

Pairing a MCRM to a Second MCRM

Identity transfer module 234 allows MCRM 200 to be linked with a secondMCRM. Such a linking would allow transfer of a user's personalinformation suitable for use in commercial transactions (physical tap orelectronically) and communications operations from MCRM 200 to a secondMCRM. Identity transfer module 234 may be a physical or logicalcomponent of MCRM 200 or may exist in other components of MCRM 200. Forexample, the functions of identity transfer module 234 may be carriedout by controller 214 using smart cards 204 and/or 328 in conjunctionwith communication components of MCRM 200.

In one embodiment, identity transfer module 234 is capable of receivinga request, from a second mobile communications resource manager, totransfer said user's personal information suitable for use in commercialtransactions (physical tap or electronically) and communicationoperations stored on the smart cards 204 and/or 328. Alternatively, forenhanced security, the identity transfer operation may be limited tobeing initiated by the currently active MCRM 200. Such information mayinclude user credentials, contact information, financial accountinformation, etc. Upon receiving the request, identity transfer module234 may then transfer the user's personal information suitable for usein commercial transactions (physical tap or electronically) andcommunication operations to the second mobile communications resourcemanager. Such a transfer may take place using the physical communicationcomponents of MCRM 200. The transfer may occur using a wirelessconnection such as personal area network (PAN) or for increased securityNear Field Communications modem 322. In one embodiment, the transferdoes not require a physical element of MCRM 200 to be transferred to thesecond MCRM. For example, a SIM card or smart card may not be requiredto be physically transferred from MCRM 200 to the second MCRM for thetransfer and pairing to take place. In one embodiment, both MCRM devicesshare common information and credentials but only the currently activeMCRM 200 has the appropriate security token to enable the properoperation of the MCRM device. In this case, the identity transfer wouldbe accomplished by simply transferring the security token from the MCRM200 to the second MCRM; thus enabling the second MCRM and disabling theoriginally active device. Such disabling may or may not deleteinformation form the originally active device.

In one embodiment, the receiving of a request to transfer and the actualtransfer will not occur until after MCRM 200 physically contacts thesecond MCRM. For example, simply tapping the two devices together mayinitiate the identity transfer. A region on the exterior of MCRM 200 maybe designated as the point of physical contact to initiate the pairing.An embodiment that requires the two devices to be physically tappedtogether ensures that both devices are physically proximate to eachother thus ensuring that the pairing does not take place with a remoteMCRM.

In another embodiment, a user may choose to authorize services 124 totransfer their cloud based personal information into a second MCRM 200.Thus a user might be able to replace a lost or stolen device withouthaving to manually reconfigure a new device. Similarly, a user mighthave more than a single MCRM device and be able to effectively copy orclone their device configuration items into other devices owned by User208.

In one embodiment, after the transfer of the user's personal informationsuitable for use in commercial transactions (physical tap orelectronically) and communication operations is complete, the user'sinformation is removed from the smart card. This removal ensures thatthere are not two MCRM devices that are simultaneously storing the sameinformation. In alternate embodiment, the two MCRM devices may containsimilar User information (i.e., configuration, information andcredentials) but their accessibility and ability for them to be utilizedto effect communications or transactions may be restricted without theappropriate authentication token, it would be this token that could betransferred between MCRMs with the identity transfer module, not theactual user data. Thus a user can be confident that the second device isthe only active MCRM device able to function with the user'sinformation. Such a pairing and transfer of information may be desirablefor various reasons. Different MCRM devices may have differentfunctionality or may have different form factors. MCRM device may bepaired so that a user may switch to a second MCRM device for fashionreasons.

MCRM and Tagging

MCRM 200 may be employed in a system for tagging operations. Moderntechnology provides for near field communication tags. For example, anRFID tag may be read by a tag reader when the tag reader is in closeproximity to an RFID tag. In one embodiment, MCRM 200 comprises a tagreader. It should be appreciated that tags and tag readers are notlimited to RFID tags but may be other electronic tags that require closeproximity of the tag and tag reader to operate.

In one embodiment, MCRM 200 is placed into proximity with a passive oractive NFC compatible tag element. MCRM 200 may then receive or readdata from the tag element. MCRM 200 may then contact a tagging serviceto receive more data regarding the tag element. For example, the datareceived from the tag element may be a URL that points MCRM 200 to dataor a service on the Internet. MCRM 200 may then collect additional datafrom the user. This additional data may be data related to a context ofthe tag element and is transmitted to either the tag element or thetagging service. Such additional data may be user generated and may becollected from the user by the user inputting data via an interfacelocated on MCRM 200 or an interface associated with UAE device 122. Inone embodiment, MCRM 200 also transmits data related to the user'sidentity to the tag element.

An example of tagging may be a user visiting a retail establishment suchas a restaurant. The user may enter the restaurant complete a diningexperience. The restaurant may have a tag element or a plurality of tagelements. At the end of the dining experience the user may decide if theuser “likes” or “dislikes” the restaurant. The restaurant may have twotag elements, one associated with “likes” and one associated with“dislikes.” The user may then place MCRM 200 into contact with theappropriate tag element. Data is then transferred from MCRM 200 to atagging service regarding the user's decision. The user may then beprompted to additional data such as comments or reviews regarding therestaurant. Such information may be added using MCRM 200 or a UAEdevice.

In the above example, the user may also employ a tag element in therestaurant before the user dines in the restaurant. The tag element mayautomatically direct the MCRM 200 to a tagging service which providesinformation regarding the restaurant such as user reviews.

In one embodiment, the tagging service may be located on the Internetand may host data as part of the tagging service or may refer the MCRMto a third party. For example, the tagging service may direct the MCRMto www.yelp.com or a similar website regarding user reviews of retailestablishments or the like.

Detailed MCRM

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an MCRM 200 is shown inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. In oneembodiment, the circuit assembly 202 includes at least one of thefollowing: a USB controller 300 coupled with a USB connection 302providing power; an on-board rechargeable battery 304; at least oneinternal antenna 306 for each distinct radio present; and a radiotransmission authorization module 312.

In one embodiment, the internal antennas 306 are arranged to facilitatea compact MCRM 200 and avoid interference such that the user can wear oreasily secure the MCRM 200 to the user's clothing or accessories.

User Controls

In an embodiment, user controllable buttons or switch gear are providedto facilitate specific functions. These buttons may take the form of anyswitch like electronics component such as but not limited to thin filmfingerprint sensor, traditional switchgear or touch button. Thesefunctions can be, but are not limited to: device pairing, volumecontrol, power switch (on/off), wallet activation and reset device.

In one embodiment, the logical authorization to pair device module 312includes but is not limited to the following physical and logicalcomponents: a single external user controlled button 314, an internalmicrocontroller and firmware 316. The single user controlled button 314and the associated firmware 316 in the host controller 214 allows thedevice to be placed into a mode whereby the PAN radio will attempt tolocate compatible devices with which to exchange pairing information (asmaster or host). In an alternate embodiment, user interface 224 can alsobe utilized to control the pairing behavior of the MCRM 200.

In one embodiment, a user controllable button 314 shall enable the user208 to receive or initiate calls using a number of user designated phonenumbers 318 registered in the phone book, resident on the MCRM 200and/or the smart card 204 or internal Flash Memory 246. The initiationof calls shall require, in a further embodiment, a wired headset and theability of the system to provide voice recognition to facilitate theselection of a called party. Audio communication interface 330 mayinclude a 3.5 mm jack used to accommodate a wired headset which includesboth speakers and a microphone. In this sense, the MCRM 200 can itselfbe operated as a phone device by user 208 without the need of anassociated user interface provided by a UAE 222.

In one embodiment, a user controllable button shall be provided to allowthe user to perform a reset of the internal host controller in the eventthat the device becomes inoperable.

In an embodiment, a user controllable switch or switches, for example, arocker switch, can be provided to control the volume of the associatedwired headset by modifying the output power of the audio modulecontained in the cellular radio 210.

In an embodiment, the functions of any or all of the user controllablebuttons can be duplicated in a graphical user interface that is providedvia an associated and connected UAE 222. In a further embodiment,functions may be integrated into few physical buttons that change inrelation to the internal state of the device and the context. Forexample, a single user controllable button 314 could be provided toinitiate a call from the idle state and end a call from the “in-call”state.

In one embodiment, the power connection 302 is configured for drawingpower from a power source, a peripheral or host power source. In oneembodiment, the on-board rechargeable battery 304 is configured forpowering the circuit assembly 202 during the communications operations.In one embodiment, the communications operations include commercialtransactions or data exchange between MCRM 200 and connected UAE(s) 222.Further, the internal antennas 306 are configured for providingtransmission and reception in the various operating RF frequency bandsof the internal radios.

Form Factor

The assembly of components of the present technology has a very smallfootprint that can be placed into a wearable or small accessory forconsumers. A primary operation of the MCRM 200 is to separate thecellular radio 210 and advanced smart card 204 (radio modem andassociated subscriber module [or smart card]) from the specific UAEdevice 222, freeing the UAE device 222 from the additional Bill ofMaterials (BOM) cost of additional radios and the need to pass stringentFCC device approvals before being able to be marketed and sold.

As stated herein, further functional components of the MCRM 200 include,a near field communication system, including the near-fieldcommunication modem 322, on chip microcontroller architecture, and anaudio in/out connection to support an externally connected headset.

The near-field communication system on chip microcontroller architectureaddresses near field communication use cases in conjunction with userspecified information and/or unique identifiers stored in thenon-volatile memory within the MCRM 200 or other memory. Near-fieldcommunication will also be used in device pairing processes to providefor added security or to select a particular UAE for use. For example,the user 208 can touch the MCRM 200 to an in-car navigation and controlscreen that supports hands-free mobile telephony environment to switchto it or activate a connection to it. NFC device pairing capabilitiescould be used in lieu of or in conjunction with the single external usercontrolled button 314. Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tags or other similarNFC readable technology may be required on the UAE(s) 222 to supportout-of-band pairing or UI activation (the passing of control from oneUAE 222 to another by tapping the MCRM 200 to the new controlling UAE222). Furthermore, the NFC system may be used to provide support formobile wallet use cases (commercial transactions) and/or social tagging(interacting with active or passive NFC compatible elements andcommunicating with remote services to publish various forms ofinformation about the User 208 and entities 140 or 150.

The audio in/out connection supports an externally connected headset. Acodec microcontroller may be included in the internal assembly tosupport and/or improve audio quality over the wired interface (e.g.,noise cancellation technology). In addition to or in lieu of an audioin/out connection, Bluetooth radio in the assembly can simultaneouslysupport a paired wireless headset. The inclusion of an audio in/outand/or wireless headset connection allows the user 208 to carry on aconversation when moving outside the range of the linked external deviceused to initiate or receive the call as well as maintain one connectionpoint for audio when moving from one externally linked device to anotherexternally linked device.

The insertion of a wired headset into the audio in/out connector shallcause the device to redirect audio to the wired headset from the currentwireless connection. This change in audio path shall not affect thecontrol channel used to establish the call and the user interface shallbe maintained on the originating appliance until connection thatappliance is lost. In any event, the user may terminate a call inprogress from the user interface on the MCRM 200.

Further, in embodiments of the present technology, the primaryfunctional software components of the MCRM 200 includes, and is notlimited to, the following: a user controlled, as well as operator ormanufacturer administrative controlled, applications to read and writedata to the smart card 204, Memory 246 or second secure element 328which can be either through over the air methods or through a linkedexternal device; applications, or abstraction layers, that allow accessto hardware elements on the MCRM 200 from associated appliances; mobileradio controller; PAN radio controller; connection manager; memorymanager; and user interface controller. The software (or firmware) ofthe MCRM 200 shall be updatable via local connection or over the airmethods. Additionally, the software supports the ability to configuresecure and/or encrypted credentials and personal information via localconnections and/or over the air methods.

Example Operation of the Mobile Communications Resource Manager

In embodiments of the present technology, the MCRM 200 described hereinperforms a variety of functions and enables a wide variety ofactivities, from telephone calls, to completing financial transactions,to the operation of an assortment of electronic devices.

For example, in one embodiment, the MCRM 200 described herein enables aUAE device 222 in close proximity to the MCRM 200 to contact a remotelylocated supplier of goods or services and make a purchase. This purchaseis charged to a funding source under the control of the user 208, via awireless modem resident in the UAE Device 222 utilizing credentialsresident within the MCRM 200. The contact may be made via a cellularconnection to an Internet service, via a non-cellular connection to anInternet service, or via a direct point-to-point connection to theInternet service (e.g. making a phone call to a person at the otherend).

Further, in another example, the MCRM 200 described herein enables anUAE device 222 in close proximity to the MCRM 200 to contact a remotelylocated supplier of goods or services and make a purchase. This purchaseis charged to a funding source under the control of the user 208, via awireless modem resident in the UAE device 222. In yet anotheralternative, the user may activate MCRM 200's wallet mode via the UAE222 or the user interface of the MCRM 200, in which case the NFC radio322 will interact with a merchants' compatible POS 130 terminal tocomplete the transaction.

In another example, the user 208, may use the NFC 322 of the MCRM 200 asa reader of passive NFC compatible devices (e.g., RFID stickers) oractive NFC devices (e.g., POS terminals or Peer-to-Peer NFC devices).The MCRM 200 can use one of the wireless connections to communicateinformation associated with the device to remote service 124. Remoteservice 124 would be able to identify the user by the origin of themessaging and the appropriate action or actions to take based on theinformation contents of the element with which it interacts. The purposeof this could be, but not limited to, social tagging, geo caching,providing user feedback on a business or service, etc.

Moreover, in yet another example, the MCRM 200 described herein enablesconnection management with aim to alleviate spectrum congestion and/ormaximize service performance on either cellular voice circuits or datacircuits used to access the Internet. This conservation/spectrum sharingis achieved by implementing a user preference system for seekingnon-cellular services and using them before making a cellular phonecall, or before using the 2G/3G/4G cellular networks for access to theInternet. In embodiments of the present technology, the user 208 maymake choices regarding communications operations, such as a defaultchoice, or consideration of, but not limited to, at least one of thefollowing factors: high performance to maintain high quality QoS; leastcostly; application rating; and spectrum conservation.

In one embodiment, the default choice is a selection regarding cellularuse that the user 208 configures in advance, such as “always usingcellular”. In one embodiment, in consideration of “high performance”,the MCRM 200 tests signal strength on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Cellular.The service with the strongest signal is chosen. The MCRM 200 regularlymonitors the signal strengths and channel performance and performsreal-time switching of services as needed to maintain a high qualityQoS. In one embodiment, in consideration of the “least costly”, the MCRM200 always tries to use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi first. The MCRM 200 thentries to use cellular second. The MCRM 200 is continuously checking foravailability of free circuit and switches whenever possible. In yetanother embodiment, in consideration of “spectrum conservation”, andbased on the cellular provider's current service needs, the MCRM 200 maystart with cellular but transition to Wi-Fi. Or, if there is a way tocommunicate with the carrier via a common signaling channel, the MCRM200 may receive instructions to just use Wi-Fi at a particular time andlocation. In the alternative, the MCRM 200 may try to utilize theprimary cellular radio, and if the circuits are busy, then the MCRM 200will fallback to the other radios at it's disposal (e.g., a secondcellular radio, Wi-Fi, etc).

As an overview of the operation potential of the MCRM 200, embodimentsof the present technology enable consumers to have an ultra-portablewireless device that does not have a high-resolution screen or numerickeypad/qwerty keyboard, but can borrow an interface 224 from an UAEdevice 222 that is compatible with the MCRM 200. The interface 224enables the MCRM 200 to fulfill a large number of functions, as has beenand will be described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow chart 400 of a method for managingconnections from UAE devices 222 to a server of interest via a pluralityof wireless communications links 236 is shown in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

Referring now to 405 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a mobilecommunications resource manager platform is provided. Referring now to410 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a smart card 204 with a memory for usewith the mobile communications resource manager platform is provided.

Referring now to 415 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a cellular wirelessmodem 210 is provided. Referring now to 420 of FIG. 4, in oneembodiment, at least one non-cellular wireless modem is provided.Referring now to 425 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a controller 214resident in the mobile communications resource manager platform isprovided. The controller 214 is configured for: establishing ashort-range wireless connection 220 to at least one UAE device 222 via anon-cellular modem 212; accepting a communications service request 228from the UAE device 222; and selecting either a cellular or anon-cellular connection via the mobile communications resource managerplatform to provide a communications link 236 for the communicationsservice request 228, based on a rule 238 resident in the smart card 204memory.

Referring now to 430 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a user interface 224on the at least one UAE device 222 is utilized to perform voice phonecalls.

Referring now to 435 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a user interface 224on said at least one UAE device 222 is utilized to perform SMS services.

Referring now to 440 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a user interface 224on the at least one UAE device 222 is utilized to configure dataassociated with the at least one UAE device 222 based on data stored ona memory of a smart card 204, wherein the data comprises: the userinterface 224, applications and services.

Referring now to 445 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a user interface 224on the at least one UAE device 224 is utilized to authenticate a securelink with the at least one UAE device 222.

Referring now to 450 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a user interface 224on the at least one UAE device 222 is utilized to perform reading andwriting to the smart card 204.

Referring now to 445 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the reading andwriting to the memory (secure element) and/or the smart card 204includes conducting a payment transaction.

Referring now to 500 of FIG. 5, a method for managing connections frommobile UAE devices 222 to services of interest via a plurality ofwireless communications links is shown, in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology. It should be appreciated that not all thesteps in 500 must be carried out to practice embodiments of the presenttechnology. Additionally, the steps in 500 are not required to becarried out in the order demonstrated. Referring now to 505 of FIG. 5and as described herein, in one embodiment a MCRM platform is provided.Referring now to 510 of FIG. 5 and as described herein, in oneembodiment, a smart card 204 is provided for use with the MCRM platform.

Referring now to 515 of FIG. 5 and as described herein, in oneembodiment a first cellular wireless modem is provided. Referring now to520 of FIG. 5 and as described herein, in one embodiment at least one,first, non-cellular wireless modem is provided. Referring now to 525 ofFIG. 5 and as described herein, in one embodiment a controller 214resident in said MCRM platform is provided. The controller 214 isconfigured for the following: establishing a short-range wirelessconnection 220 to at least one UAE device equipped with a secondcellular modem 210 and one second non-cellular modem 212; accepting acommunications service request 228 from the at least one UAE device 222;and instructing the at least one UAE device 222 to use either the secondcellular or second non-cellular modem, 210 and 212 respectively,according to the communications service request 228 and a rule 238resident in the MCRM 200 memory.

Operations for Linking two MCRMs

In one embodiment, 505, 510, 515, 520, and 525 are employed with 530,535, and 540 to pair a first mobile communications resource managerplatform to a second mobile communications resource manager platform.Such a pairing may be used to switch from a MCRM platform to a secondMCRM platform. Steps 505, 510, 515, 520, and 525 may be employed withoutcompleting 530, 535, and 540.

Referring now to 530 of FIG. 5 and as described herein, in oneembodiment a request is received, from a second mobile communicationsresource manager platform, to transfer the user's personal informationsuitable for use in commercial transactions (physical tap orelectronically) and communication operations stored on the memory of thesmart cards 204 and 328.

Referring now to 535 of FIG. 5 and as described herein, in oneembodiment the user's personal information suitable for use incommercial transactions (physical tap or electronically) andcommunication operations is transferred to the second mobilecommunications resource manager platform.

Referring now to 540 of FIG. 5 and as described herein, in oneembodiment the user's personal information suitable for use incommercial transactions (physical tap or electronically) andcommunication operations is removed or in some way made inaccessiblefrom the memory of the smart cards 204 of MCRM 200.

Operations for Choices in Communications Services

Referring now to 600 of FIG. 6, a flowchart of the communicationservices choices and the selection thereof, is shown in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. Flowchart 600 may be read inconjunction with flowchart 700 of FIG. 7. Flowchart 700 of FIG. 7 is aflowchart describing the operation of internal or externalcommunications operations combined with the updating of the smart card204 with respect to a specific UAE device 222. Referring now to 605 ofFIG. 6, the method of selecting a communications service is started.Referring now to 610 of FIG. 6, in one embodiment, a determination ofthe presence of a communication service user preference system is made.If a user preference system is not in operation, then a normal start atstep 615 is accomplished. However, if a user preference system is inoperation, then a setup menu is shown, as in step 640.

Referring now to 620 of FIG. 6, an activation connection request isreceived at MCRM 200 (refer also to FIG. 7). Once activated, referringto 625 of FIG. 6, a selection of the best communications service ismade, based on factors such as, but not limited to, the following: highperformance to maintain high quality QoS; least costly; applicationrating based on local and/or remotely obtained metrics; and spectrumconservation. Referring now to 630 of FIG. 6, a call setup is performedbased on the selected communications link. Referring now to 635 of FIG.6, after the call setup is performed, a terminate/disconnect command isreceived.

Referring to 645 of FIG. 6, in the alternative, a user preference systemis in operation, then an operation mode is chosen. Referring now to 650of FIG. 6, data 216 from the smart card 204 is retrieved. This data 216includes information 206 and rule 238 as described herein.

Referring now to 655 of FIG. 6, based on the information 206 and rules238, an operating mode is configured. Referring now to 660 of FIG. 6,these operating modes are then displayed on the UAE device 222.Referring now to 665 of FIG. 6, once the operating modes are displayed,the system moves to “normal start”.

Operations for Updating a Smart Card

Referring now to 705 of FIG. 7, the process of updating the smart card204 with, for example, configuration information, is begun. Referringnow to 710 of FIG. 7, a determination of the use of internal or externalcommunications operations is made. If internal communications operationsare to occur, then the process proceeds to step 715 a. However, ifexternal communications operations are to occur, then the processproceeds to step 715 b. Of note, the processes following thedetermination of internal or external communications operations are thesame. Referring now to 720 a and 720 b of FIG. 7, once the determinationis made that either an internal or external communications operations isto occur, then the MCRM 200 switches to the “ready mode”.

Referring now to 725 a and 725 b of FIG. 7, the MCRM 200 is paired witha UAE device 222, through the process described in FIG. 1 at 112 and114. Next, and referring to 730 a and 730 b of FIG. 7, the MCRM 200accepts 230 a service request 228. Now referring to 735 a and 735 b, thesmart card 204 is checked, including the information 206 and rules 238.Referring now to 740 a and 740 b of FIG. 7, if the MCRM 200 finds theservice request 228 acceptable as it complies with the information 206and rules 238 comprising the smart card 204, and information 206 andrules 238 comprising the memory 232 then the a connection to a target240 is activated. The target 240 may include, but is not limited to thefollowing: service; people; and information.

However, and referring to 745 a and 745 b of FIG. 7, if the servicerequest 228 is not acceptable, then a message is sent to be displayed onthe UAE device 222.

As per 625 and 630 of FIG. 6, once a connection is activated, adetermination may be made as to the best communications service to beused. A call setup is then performed on the selected communicationslink. As per 635 at FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a terminate/disconnect commandthen may be received.

Referring now to 755 of FIG. 7, once the terminate/disconnect command isreceived at 635, then the smart card 204 is updated with the selectedcommunications link. Referring now to 760 of FIG. 7, the MCRM 200 isthen returned to a ready mode in preparation to be paired again with anUAE device 222.

Further, one embodiment provides a method of connecting to a mobilecommunications network for telephony services, such as, but not limitedto, voice and short messaging service. Another embodiment provides amethod of operating a smart card that can store not only the typicallyprovisioned subscriber information required to access the mobilecommunications network, but also provides a method of storing orsecuring the user's personal information and credentials andapplications preferences.

Another embodiment provides a method of providing device and userspecific unique identifiers, such as secure tokens, passwords andpersonal identification numbers, to authenticate secure wirelesstransactions to linked external devices and network based services. Yetanother embodiment provides a method of providing a user specificapplication program interface to transfer stored information to a linkedexternal device and network based services.

In another embodiment, a secure method of executing or modifyingapplications, servlets or applets when requested or triggered by a user,linked external devices or backend servers is provided. Further, anotherembodiment provides a method of supporting user or operator defined overthe air (OTA) updates to the stored information, firmware andapplications from backend services.

Transactions/MCRM Operation

One embodiment provides a method of making a high speed link necessaryto transfer the data from the smart card (e.g., USB or Bluetooth), viaUSB or Bluetooth (e.g. Bluetooth 3.0), to one or more external devicesthat may have a robust human interface (for certain use cases). Forexample, certain use cases may involve only executing securetransactions with MCRMs 200 stored credentials that utilize a near fieldcommunication interface (e.g., a merchant point of sale [POS 130] deviceor RFID 140) in accordance with existing standards and methods for POSand/or tag reading transactions. Certain manufacturers may choose toutilize a keyboard or other gesture based interface instead of or inaddition to a touch screen. In one embodiment, the user 208 may link theUAE device 222 to an external device that only has a keyboard and mouseinterface, but is otherwise able to support telephony and Internetapplications, application processors, memory, operating systems andother typical computer components.

Another embodiment provides a method utilizing the NFC 322 hardware ofthe MCRM 200 to interact with active or passive compatible elements(e.g., POS 130, Passive device 140, or Active device 150). The MCRM 200can receive authorization from User 208 using the UAE 222 or the MCRM200 user interface to activate the NFC 322 hardware. Once activated, theMCRM 200 can interact in the most compatible way with the device toeither provide information 216 about User 208 to the active device 150or to read information from the passive device 140 into the MCRM 200 andprocess it. In the former case, information provided to device 150 mightcause device 150 to transact with other services of value to User 208.In the latter case, the MCRM 200 might take information from device 140and transmit that information to tagging services 124 along with User's208 identity information 216.

In one embodiment, tagging services 124 will translate that informationinto specific transactions with other service providers of interest toUser 208 via various “networks” social or otherwise via Internet 116.Such services might include but not be limited to: social tagging,geo-caching, reviews, location services, couponing, etc.

Additionally, information relevant to the service provider might also becollected from the user when the MCRM 200 interacts with devices 130,140 or 150. This information may be contextual to the intent of theaforementioned devices such as user comments, business ratings thatcould be collected from a simple UI on device 130, 140 or 150 orcaptured via UI on UAE 222. As an example, User 208 might activate theirMCRM 200 to “tag” mode and tap an instance of device 140 that is locatedin a Café to post information about their whereabouts. Another instancemight be that of a business with an interactive sign allowing User 208to rate their experience with said business (e.g., like or dislike)where once tapped, the MCRM 200 would transmit that tag info andinformation 216 about User 208 to tagging service 124 to be exchanged,brokered or otherwise provided to the business perhaps directly orindirectly via other relevant services (e.g., OpenTable, Zagat,Urbanspoon, Yelp, etc).

Additionally, embodiments of the present technology provide a method ofsupporting telephony service applications and the associated userinterfaces equivalent to a typical smart phone. Further embodiments ofthe present technology provide one or more high-speed broadbandconnection via Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, 3G, 4G, and other mobile broadband orEthernet.

Another embodiment provides a method of performing near-fieldcommunications with a merchant point of sale as well as a method ofoffering data or an application program interface from the user's 208smart card 204 or secure element 328 (with the user's 208 authenticationor permission) that will fulfill the merchant, creditor and/or bankinginstitution's requested transaction related information.

In one embodiment, a method is provided of either drawing power from ahost external device, such as USB, or utilizing an on-board battery. Theon-board battery may be a typical compact portable device battery orthin film battery material and energy harvesting techniques to supportlimited use. There may be a time in the future when the technology willallow thin film batteries, solar and/or energy harvesting techniques tosupport full functionality of a UAE device 222.

Another embodiment provides a method of supporting audio out and audioin to a wired or wireless headset attached to the device. Yet anotherembodiment provides a method of alerting a user to an occurrence ofcertain use cases when linked or not linked to an external device. Forexample, the embodiments of the technology can use a sound producing orvibrating element buzzer when power is available to alert a user to anincoming call when no device is linked and able to alert the user.Additionally, the embodiments of the present technology can use a buzzerto alert the user (when power is available) that an external device isrequesting secure information from the user's smart card. On note and aspreviously discussed, the ultra-compact footprint is assembled such thatit may be incorporated into or attached to wearable accessories.

Embodiments of the present technology enable the user 208 to use theinterface on linked external devices to do, but not exclusively, one ormore of the following: perform voice phone calls by, for example, beingpaired with an in-car display to provide the required hands-free phoneexperience while driving; perform SMS services; utilize voice services;utilize messaging and data services; configure a user interface,applications and services using their preferences and content stored ontheir smart cards 204 and/or 328; authenticate a secure link withexternal devices to give the user 208 confidence in sharing sensitiveinformation such as, but not limited to, personal identification,addresses, credentials and credit/banking account information.

Embodiments of the present technology provide transparently throughabstraction a method for providing radio resources to physicallydisparate, but either wired or wirelessly connected and linked UAEdevices 222. These radio resources include but are not limited to thefirst cellular modem and radio 210 and the first near fieldcommunication modem and radio 322.

Embodiments of the present technology provide a method for allowing theuser 208 to read and write to the smart cards 204 and 328 via a backendgateway or application on a linked external device. For example, theuser 208 can write address book information to the smart card 204 orwrite an external location where the address book information is stored.In this example, the linked external device will then be able to, withthe user's 208 permission, pull address book information from the MCRM200 or from an external location such as an address for the user'sGoogle Contacts™ account. In another example, the user 208 can writefrequently used commerce payment transaction information to the MCRM200, such as a billing and a shipping address. In a further example, theUser 208 can authorize payment credentials to be written to the smartcard 204 or 328 for use for commercial transactions. Conversely, it willbe possible for the entity issuing the credentials (e.g., the Bank, orcredit processor, transaction services manager (TSM) or other officialentity) to modify or revoke said credentials with or without consent ofthe User 208 via OTA or interaction with a device such as a POS 130.

In this example, when the user 208 is conducting a payment transactionthrough a linked external device, the linked external device can requestthis information that is stored on the MCRM 200. Additionally, in thisexample, embodiments of the present technology allow the user 208 todefine how the user 208 will permit this information to be shared, suchas by entering a PIN into the linked external device that is requestingthe information.

Embodiments of the present technology provide a method for allowing theuser 208 to link to multiple external devices individually andsimultaneously. For example, in an embodiment of the technology, amethod is provided of allowing the user 208 to define linking to one ormore external devices automatically without a password, and then requirea password to link to others. A security model can determine whatinformation is available to the multitude of paired and linked endpointsor UAEs 222 based on the security of the given connection to each UAE222. For example, an insecure link to a given UAE 222 may only providebasic incoming call service or otherwise limited services to User 208 onthat particular UAE 222, while a UAE 222 with a trusted link may allowaccess to more secure information such as personal information,credentials or other sensitive, secure data belonging to User 208 storedon MCRM 200. For example, a method is provided for allowing the user 208to define specific characteristics of the interaction between the MCRM200 and the linked devices (e.g., whether simultaneously linked devicesall ring upon an incoming call or only on a specific device). Thesetypes of configuration are possible with the device but may require anexternal web service or the application on the connected userappliance(s) to operate.

In an embodiment of the present technology, a method is provided ofallowing the user 208 to prioritize multiple linked external devices andto differentiate how information on their smart card 204 is shared withmultiple external devices. For example, one embodiment provides a methodfor allowing the user 208 to identify some UAE devices 222 tosynchronize and store some or all of the user's 208 contacts, and otherUAE devices 222 to not synchronize or to not store the user's 208contacts at all. In another example, one embodiment provides a methodfor allowing the user 208 to define whether a specific UAE device 222has access to the user's bank account information or shipping addressfound on the MCRM 200. Another embodiment provides a method of requiringone or more authentication events to access that type of sensitiveinformation.

Embodiments of the present technology give the user 208 control over theinformation stored on the MCRM 200 and encourage the user 208 to providethat information to multiple UAE devices 222 to increase transactionoptions utilizing a secure element (on the near-field communicationmodem 322) and improve the user interface experience. This method is incontrast to associating a secure element stored on the MCRM 200 with aspecific cell phone interface and its applications.

UAE Description

In embodiments of the present technology, the MCRM 200 may be connectedto a separate UAE device 222, which has one or more of the followingfive (5) components: a touch screen user interface; a mobile orientedoperating system, or operating system designed to support, at a minimum,voice and data services and contact management; a high-speed dataconnectivity via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, WiMax, HSPA, LTE or other embeddedhigh-speed data communication radio chip package; a Bluetooth radio forlinking audio and data to the MCRM 200; and a microphone, speaker and/oraudio in/out jack to support telephony voice sessions in conjunctionwith the ability to select the audio path for the call from the dialingapplication on the device (which would alert the device to support thepath of the user's preference). The UAE device 222 will also(optionally) be loaded with the application allowing it to control andconfigure the MCRM 200.

In one embodiment, the link between the UAE 222 and MCRM 200 mightutilize a multiplexer (or MUX) to separate the physical channel intomultiple channels each used for specific operations (e.g., telephony,wallet, configuration, data, etc). In another related embodiment, someof these logical channels could be encrypted to provide additionalsecurity for sensitive operations. In an alternate embodiment, the linkbetween the UAE 222 and MCRM 200 might be used such that allcommunications are co-mingled (or simplex communication). In yet anotherembodiment, the MCRM 200 resources (i.e., radios and secure elements)might appear as virtual hardware to the UAE 222 by creating virtualconnections in the OS of the UAE and allow the UAE to treat theresources of the MCRM as if they were physically connected and part ofthe UAE device.

General consumer electronics (i.e. not cell phones) which have the firstfour components above, and definitely all five components, are capableof providing a mobile smart phone like user experience. These consumerand commercial electronics are able to present a user interface whichsubstitutes for a traditional mobile phone screen and keyboard or touchscreen. Dialing applications, contact management applications and othersubscriber information/preferences management applications are presentedto the user 208 on the linked external device's screen rather than atraditional mobile phone screen.

In one embodiment, mobile phones that run compatible operating systemsmay load applications similar to those used on basic tablet UAE in orderto provide a “second line” service to the User 208. In one embodiment,separate dialer and messaging applications can be loaded by User 208onto a compatible mobile phone that would provide access to services onthe MCRM 200. In this way, a User 208 could avail of the native cellularcommunications capabilities using one number (e.g., a business number)as well as the MCRM 200 communications capabilities both cellular (e.g.,a personal number) and NFC (e.g., wallet and “tagging”).

The user 208 is presented with a browser or application based interfacefrom any terminal connected to a backend gateway so that they can updateinformation stored on the MCRM 200 using Over The Air (OTA) updatetools. In the alternative, MCRM 200 updates can be managed fromapplications presented on the linked external device. Authorized thirdparties can also conduct OTA updates to the MCRM 200.

Software available to the operating system (OS) will provides aninterface in order to provide Internet access to, either via a wired orwireless link as determined by the connection manager, linked externaldevices and to provide for a method of retrieving information (such asan application programming interface [API] from the MCRM 200). Thelinked external device may then retrieve Internet data via its broadbandconnection. Through this retrieval of Internet data, services andapplications such as voicemail, email, SMS, MMS, purchased content andpreferred web content are synchronized and/or updated

Software available to the OS will provide an interface in order that thepaired device has a method for retrieving information from the device.For example, the linked external device uses an API from the MCRM 200for example, in order for the linked external device to display userinformation stored on the device. More examples are disclosed herein.

Possibly using an API from the MCRM 200, the smart card 204, or smartcard 328, software available to the OS will provide an interfaceallowing the external linked device to retrieve information, using withany user 208, operator or manufacturer defined configuration settingsdefined for the paired UAE device 222. By using the definedconfiguration settings, its components may be properly utilized inconjunction with functions, services and applications requested by theuser or UAE device 222.

Functions of software include the following: the ability to control andconfigure the MCRM 200; the ability to manage a mobile wallet (includingtransaction history, prepay balances, select card for transaction,display inline advertising, act as user interface for authentication ifneeded); the ability to read (active mode) or be read (passive mode) viathe NFC 322 radio and to thus interact with devices 130, 140, or 150(e.g., social tagging, rating, or other transmission of information toother services of interest directly or via tagging service 124); theability to perform in call control (including selection of audio path,mute, hold, 3-party, call waiting, dialing (from pad, PIM, recents); andthe ability to display device history (message inbox, outbox; calllogs—recent/missed).

Current smart card designs using plastic card housing are larger thanthe footprint of GSM radio access technology. GSM radio accesstechnology will continue to shrink in size and costs. In parallel, othershort distance radio access technologies on chip are also shrinking insize and power requirements. In an embodiment, the package size of themobile communications resource management system allows it to beincorporated in wearable accessories that users can secure to themselvesand do not have to move frequently to use like a cell phone. The abilityto reduce the user interface 224 with the device and secure it on theirperson will increase consumer confidence in maintaining more personalinformation within the device. One view is the device has a betteradvantage at replacing personal information that is found in wallets andpurses.

Separating multiple radio access technologies from form factors drivenby screen and keyboard sizes will encourage consumers to choose newinterfaces that meet their personal or commercial needs while retainingone personal radio access point and a single source of their personalinformation on a device MCRM 200 with smart cards 204 and 328. Forexample, eReaders, Internet tablets, personal media players, in-cardisplays, computer displays and possibly future television displays, mayall be UAE devices 222 a consumer would like to utilize at any giventime without searching for a separate cell phone interface to utilizetelephone services. Consumers could choose future public or commercialtouch screens such as POS devices, public screen kiosks or large touchtabletop surfaces to conduct telephony, commerce or informationtransactions with minimal interface on this device. The distinctadvantage of these UAE devices 222 can be a larger screen size thansmart phones, which are limited to the size of the hand, and higher datarates if connected to cable, fiber, Wi-Fi or a dedicated mobilebroadband network.

Bundling radio access technology with screen, keyboard, computerprocessors and related computer components creates a duplicativeconsumer electronics costs to consumers who desire other computer andscreen technology. Additionally, this bundling is a barrier to generalconsumer electronics manufacturers who must gain approval from mobilenetwork operators (MNO) for each device with embedded MNO radios. Todate, MNOs have only offered consumer unbundled radios with data accessplans and limited connectivity to specific operating systems andcomputers.

Currently in the U.S., MNOs are allowing unlocked GSM devices into theirnetwork, which means this device may be rapidly deployed. Furthermore,it is the standard business practice of the industry in 2010 to allowunlocked devices on their network. As of November, 2009, T-Mobile ofBellevue, Wash., for example, released smart card only full serviceno-contract rate plans and announced an MVNO that asks consumers topurchase a smart card only plan with no-contract and supply their ownphone.

Thus, the MCRM system gives consumers the advantage to purchase low costradio access from the MNO with no contract and then purchase acompetitively priced alternative touch screen ultra portable or othertouch screen device from a general consumer electronics manufacturer anduse it with the MNOs network.

A related advantage is that without the need for carrier approval of alldevices on their network, the time and approval process to market fornew innovation of smart devices is reduced. Further, expanding radioaccess to all consumer electronics companies with one product willincrease competition amongst ultra portable and touch screentechnologies and result in increased innovation and lower costs toconsumers.

General consumer electronics companies not currently building cellphones or who have only a small number of cell phones in their portfoliowill be able to offer consumers a larger number of alternative touchscreen computers without an embedded mobile network operator radioaccess and still configure their device to the consumer's personalpreferences.

In one embodiment of the present technology, screen size technology andradio access technology are separated. Smart phone screen size iseffectively limited to the size of the hand today. Separation willaccelerate consumer's ability to choose different screen size and screentype experiences directly from manufacturers innovating in that space.Consumers may choose different screen devices throughout a day dependingupon their situational need without disconnecting their mobile telephonyservices or carrying a second screen and keyboard embodied in a typicalcell phone.

Consumers can own multiple touch screen devices and utilize mobilecommunications and their personal subscriber information withoutswapping smart cards. As an embodiment of this invention, the MCRM 200allows the user 208 to make and receive phone calls using a singleMSISDN (phone number) from any number of UAE devices 222 (or end pointsthat provide a user interface). By using low cost components, largermemory smart cards with backend server user control, in a devicedesigned to connect with high performing electronics and merchant pointof sale systems, consumers are able to securely keep personalinformation related to all sorts of transactions in one object.

The MCRM 200 allows the user 208 to consistently authenticate aplurality of other personal and commercial electronics devices in orderto access the user's 208 personal information, application preferencesand services preferences via the wireless pairing connection to the MCRM200. The user 208 then uses those other UAE devices 222 to utilizetelephony services via the operating system's radio access software andtechnology.

Consumers will have more choices in the purchasing of a device that canact as their mobile phone. Consumers will be able to leverage more ofthe consumer electronics they purchase to give them the mobile phonefunctionality.

Embodiments of the technology at least partially address the pendingspectrum crisis by creating a new mobile device ecosystem that shiftsthe burden onto licensed spectrum broadband. Firstly, it will help shiftthe burden to Wi-Fi only devices. Secondly, it will give smaller MNOsand data only networks like Clearwire of Kirkland, Wash., theopportunity to look outside the traditional handset ecosystem for highlycompetitive consumer devices that will attract more mobile broadbandusers to their spectrum. The problem is that smart phone penetration onmobile operator networks will create data demand that exceeds spectrumcapacity. Using Wi-Fi and similar wireless networking technologies arecritical to avoiding the spectrum crisis.

Embodiments of the technology may lead to modifying how consumers view asmart phone versus a “smart device.” The MCRM 200 separates in theconsumer's mind the already affordable mobile voice services fromMNO-subsidized smart phones that are sold with bundled data plans. Onceseparated, general consumer electronics and computer manufacturers andsmaller operators can better compete with Wi-Fi only or data servicesoffered on other networks with available spectrum.

The MCRM 200 allows general consumer manufacturers to compete for aposition as the consumer's primary portable device by connecting with asmall wearable mobile voice accessory. Whether a student buys amini-PCs, a commuter carries an eBook or a hiker wants to just bringtheir GPS unit, the MCRM 200 is a small enough accessory that consumerscan choose a device that fit their specific need from a larger number ofcompeting manufacturers while keeping that essential mobile connectionwhen they are away from home. Further, manufacturers have an option toadjust any number of their overall SKUs to work with the MCRMs 200,rather than work with the MNO to get approval of one or two SKUs to ayear.

From another perspective, a smart phones may be described as anultra-portable computers layered on top of radio access technology. TheMCRM 200 gives ultra-portable computer manufacturers outside thehandset-manufacturing ecosystem a means to compete for customers thatwant mobile telephony services on their ultra portable.

Mobile banking growth is stymied by MNO control over the handsetecosystem, because MNOs control the mass deployment of NFC technology onmobile phones and the critical smart cards contained inside. MNO aremaking efforts to determine their revenue model for mobile banking Thisdevice gives a low-cost rapid deployment option of NFC that potentiallyremoves the MNO from the equation.

Many services such as Facebook™, have experimented with deploying NFCcompatible devices that allow users to “tag” into locations and post totheir “Wall” using passive RFID based devices or trinkets. The MCRM 200could reverse this model by providing the User 208 with ability transmitinformation to a service directly or via a tagging service 124 thatwould allow businesses to install low cost RFID tag based infrastructurein many locations that include even the basics of a “UI” or choices(e.g., like or dislike). The User can thus interact with these devicesthrough their day to publish information about themselves, theirlocation, or business ratings as well as for businesses hosting thesedevices to receive feedback from users and obtain information abouttheir consumers.

Thus, mobile banking tools like Near Field Communications (NFC) lead tohigher conversion rates at the point of sale. Today, consumers are askedto enter their account and personal information when making web based ormobile-based purchases. Results show that the more informationrequested, the lower the conversion rate at POS. Tools like “OneClick”where the consumer fills out the information once, or NFC connected to asmartcard that transfers the information for the consumer, resulting ina higher conversion rate. Placing the smart card in a low cost, easy towear device that gives consumers one place to populate all necessarypersonal information will increase conversion rates in commercialtransactions (physical tap or electronically).

In an embodiment, the MCRM 200 may provide a communications path fromthe UAE device 222 in the local vicinity of the user 208, via one ofseveral radio modems resident in the MCRM 200, making the connection tothe selected service via a cellular link or a non-cellular link.

In an embodiment, the MCRM 200 may control another radio modem residentin the UAE device 222 to establish a communications data path from UAEdevice 222 to the user's selected service, via either a cellular link ora non-cellular link, not passing through the radio modems of the MCRM200. These functions may be controlled or managed via a softwareapplication on the UAE devices 222 working in conjunction with and undercontrol of the MCRMs 200.

In an embodiment, the MCRM 200 may contain more than one non-cellularradio modems 212 for making connections to other services, includingWLANs, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication or any othersuch non-cellular communications systems.

In an embodiment, the rules for spectrum management includes but is notlimited to at least one of the following: making a radio modem choicebased on the needs of the user-selected service request; making a modemchoice based on a user-selected Quality of Service (QoS) metric; makinga modem choice based on a conservation of spectrum metric; making amodem choice based on a user preference; and making a modem choice basedon a pre-programmed methodology to automate the procedure, without userdecision making

In an embodiment, the rules for spectrum management may include choosinga non-cellular modem whenever possible, according to Internetavailability of a connection to the user 208 requested service 228 andInternet availability via a non-cellular radio modem 212 connection.

In an embodiment, the rules 238 for spectrum management may includeaccessing a monitoring function resident in the radio modem to assess aquality of service metric; evaluating that metric; if the service metricindicates an inadequate level of service based on either customerpreferences or on the service provider's needs, making a decision toswitch to another communications service via a second radio modem ifavailable.

In an embodiment, the rules for spectrum management may include choosingnon-cellular radio modems 212 for a specific communications serviceaccording to a sharing agreement between said specific communicationsservice provider and the user's selected cellular service.

In an embodiment, the MCRM 200, using the smart card as the secureelement, is configured to synchronize cloud services-based stored datato multiple user appliances, where each appliance has its own set ofrules.

In an embodiment, the MCRM 200 is configured to synchronize cloudservices-based stored data simultaneously without any connection fromthe MCRM 200 to any UAE device 222.

In an embodiment, the cellular modem resident in the MCRM 200 mayconsist of a software-defined radio (SDR) 244, in which a generic chipset (silicon integrated circuits) uses an operating system particular tothe cellular provider chosen by the user 208 to operate the silicon chipset in a manner identical to what could be provided by a complete cellphone handset made by that supplier. In addition, the software-definedradio 244 can be reconfigured to operate in a manner determined byanother cellular provider's chipset and operating system. In thismanner, the SDR resident in the MCRM 200 is reconfigurable without anyneed to change hardware, i.e., to change the chipset.

In various embodiments, a radio interface layer resident on the UAEdevices 222 shall provide an abstraction layer to open sourcedevelopers, allowing them to utilize the same or similar methods tocreate/manage/destroy logical communications resources as in atraditional cellular phone device. This shall allow for the portabilityof applications targeted to the same Operating System (OS) as the UAEdevices 222 that expect or require radio resources. This applies to allresources of the MCRM 200 (i.e., secure elements and radios).

An assembly of radios to access a mobile network, connect to otherdevices via Bluetooth (including a high speed Bluetooth 3.0 connection,which works with a Wi-Fi radio) and perform near field communicationcontactless payments will all fit in a compact footprint of a smartcard. Additionally, the assembly cost is low, comparable or lower thanthe assembly cost of a basic entry-level phone. This will allow the MCRM200, even with an on-board rechargeable battery or USB connectionincluded, to be incorporated into wearable forms that consumers canconfidently secure to themselves, their clothing and/or theiraccessories.

Embodiments of the present technology may wirelessly connect to avariety of other transaction points found in a consumer's daily lifefrom airport security (e.g., boarding passes or transit ticketing) tounlocking and starting a car (e.g., keychain).

In one embodiment, the present technology comprises a portable, mobilecommunications resource management system resident in a small package,including a microprocessor controller, a cellular radio modem, at leastone other non-cellular radio modem, a Smart Card (SIM), an operatingsystem configured to accept information from a personal smart card, apower supply, and a minimal user control interface.

The smart card 204 is configured to contain communications managementresource rules for initiating communications from other separate userappliances, based on a multiplicity of options, both user-determined andMobile Network Operator (MNO)-determined, according to what the user hasarranged with the MNO or other communications service supplier. Eithersmart card 204 and/or 328 are further configured to accommodate theowner and/or user's 208 needs for entering into a variety oftransactions available from vendors, either in an immediate vicinity ofthe user or available via an Internet connection, direct cellularconnection, or other non-cellular communications links.

The rules and other configuration information may be located in the UAEdevice's 222 internal memory or onboard the smart cards. In either case,the information may be cryptographically encoded to provide securityusing the smart cards as the secure element or a security token housedtherein to allow the user or system to access rules and otherconfigurable information used as credentials, rules or personalinformation.

In one embodiment, the near field communication modem 322 is controlledby a dataflow firmware 904. Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, withattention directed towards 900 of FIG. 9, a system architectureincluding a dataflow manager 901 is shown in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology, A dataflow manager 901 includes two majorpieces of firmware: the bootloader 902 and the dataflow firmware 904. Inone embodiment, the bootloader 902 validates any present dataflowfirmware image, loading a new firmware image if one is present in aflash 808, and booting the dataflow firmware 904. The bootloader 902 isnot capable of any external interaction other than through the console(UART) 846, which is not available to the end user 208. All firmwareimages must be received and stored in flash 808 by the dataflow firmware904.

The dataflow manager is the top level of the dataflow firmware 904, andincludes several tacks that interact to monitor and control the varioushardware devices in the MCRM 200 platform. It includes four tasks thatcontrol the near field communication modem 322, as well as the console(UART) 846, GSM (UART) 818, and the Bluetooth (UART) 852. A fifth taskmanages connections, passing data between the tasks, and othersupervisory functions. A sixth task manages the external powercontroller 840. Three other control modules manage the flash 808, switchinputs 850, and light emitting diode (LED) 834.

Referring still to FIG. 8, a top level of the dataflow firmware 904 isshown in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In oneembodiment, there are at least eight dataflow stores in the top level ofthe dataflow firmware 904: Flash Mutex Store 802; Consol Messages Store810; GSM Messages Store 814; Bluetooth Messages Store 820; NFC MessagesStore 824; LED Messages Store 830; Power Messages Store 836; andConnection Messages Store 842. These data stores represent storagelocations of information and data that flows between the tasks andcontrol blocks. The details of the format, type and size of these datastores are not defined at this level. However, all message stores arequeue-like in nature, in that all received messages are processed in theorder received.

Of note, there is no data store between the dataflow manager task 824and the flash file system 804. This is because the flash file system 804presents itself as an API to the application, rather than as a datainterface. Similar to the flash file system 804, the access to the flashdriver 806 is API based, rather than a data interface.

Flash Mutex Store 802: In one embodiment, this store is a mutualexclusion store that limits access to the flash 808. The flash mutex 802limits access to ensure exclusive access. Note that in order to read theflash 808, the flash mutex 802 need not be locked. However, if a flasherase/write cycle is in process, any reads will be corrupted. Thus, thisflash mutex 802 should lock whenever flash 808 access is necessary.

Console Messages Store 810: In one embodiment, this store holds messagesdestined for the console task 812. These messages are typically usedonly for debugging purposes, and include captured data to display,status changes, and other debug output.

GSM Messages Store 814: In one embodiment, this store hold messagesdestined for the GSM task 816. These messages are used to requestservices from the GSM task 816, such as GSM status, power control,dialing, and transmitting SMS/MMS messages. It is also used to pass rawGSM messages to the GSM (UART) 818 (such as raw GSM commands from aremote device connected via the SPP profile).

Bluetooth Messages Store 820: In one embodiment, this store holdsmessages destined for the Bluetooth task 822. These messages are used torequest services from the Bluetooth task 822, such as Bluetooth status,power control, opening/closing Bluetooth connections, querying availableremote devices, setting Bluetooth authorization codes, and transmittingdata.

Near Field Communications Messages Store 824: In one embodiment, thisstore holds messages destined for the NFC task 826. The types ofmessages are not yet known as there needs to be investigation into howto handle the NFC (UART) 828 side of things for POS interactions.

LED Messages Store 830: In one embodiment, this store holds LED outputrequests destined for the LED task 832. This store holds the LED status(on/off/periodic blink/a periodic blink) and color for each supportedLED 834.

Power Messages Store 836: In one embodiment, this store holds powermanagement requests destined for the power control task 838 for thepower controller 840. These requests include charging status and batterylevel.

Connection Messages Store 842: In one embodiment, this store holdsmessages destined for the dataflow manager task 824. All modulescommunicate with the dataflow manager task 824 via the connectionmessages store 842 by publishing events and data. From this store, thedataflow manager task 824 processes these events and processes.

The discussion will now turn to tasks, drivers and control. The term“task indicates a separate execution context maintained by uCOS-II™ ofMicrium of Weston, Fla. The term “driver” indicates a separate executioncontext, but limited in processing to that of interfacing with ahardware device. The term “control” indicates code that executes withinanother task's execution context.

Flash driver 806: In one embodiment, this is the interface to the flash808 for OTA firmware images. This task takes request from flash bufferand performs writes and erases as requested. Before any erase or writeoperation, the flash mutex 802 is locked to prevent conflict with theflash file system 804. This driver is tuned to the specific flash part,and all erases/writes occur on sector boundaries.

Flash file system 804: In one embodiment, the flash file system 804 is athird party product (uC/FS™ from Micrium of Weston, Fla.). It isintegrated with the uCOS-II™ (from Micrium of Weston, Fla.) operatingsystem. It provides an API for reading/writing files to the flash 808.It comes with a specific driver for the flash 808. Before allerase/write access to the flash 808, the flash file system 804 will lockthe flash mutex 802. This protects against contention with the flashdriver 806.

Console Task 812: In one embodiment, the console task 812 provides auser interface and debug output. It takes messages from the dataflowmanager task 824 (usually debug messages) for display to the user 208.It also manages all data from the console (UART) 846, sending events tothe dataflow manager task 824. The console task 812 provides thefollowing features: command line interface; system status (e.g. GSMstatus, connection status, task information); system control (e.g.power-on/power-off, injection of GSM/BT commands); system reset; OTAfirmware image control (erase, download, status); bootloader imagecontrol (erase, download, status); and debug output.

Note that in the case of the OTA firmware and bootloader image control,all messages are passed to the dataflow manager task 824 for processing.

Switch Task 848: In one embodiment, the switch task 848 monitors anddebounces the switch inputs. It identifies which button and type ofpress (press, hold, double tap, etc.). When a press, hold, etc. isdetected, it is published to the connection messages store 842 forprocessing by the dataflow manager task 824.

LED Task 832: In one embodiment, the LED task 832 reads the LED MessagesStore 830 and updates and maintains the status of the LEDs 834. The LEDtask 832 executes in the context of another task, and uses the systemtime to check for changes in the LED 834 status.

Power Control Task 838: In one embodiment, the power control task 838manages the power controller 840. It monitors the charging status,updates the charging watchdog, and reads the battery level. It respondsto requests from the dataflow manager task 824 and generates events tothe dataflow manager task 824.

Near Field Communication Task 826: In one embodiment, the NFC task 826handles the interaction with the NFC (UART) 828 chipset.

GSM Task 816: In one embodiment, the GSM task 816 processes requestsfrom the dataflow manager task 824, generating the appropriate commandsto the GSM (UART) 818. It also processes data from the GSM (UART) 818and generates events to the dataflow manager task 824. The GSM task 816supports the following dataflow manager task 824 requests: dialing;hangup; raw AT commands (This is used for passthrough mode from the SPPprofile on the Bluetooth (UART) 852. However, the eventual mode ofoperation would be for the Bluetooth task 822 to process the SPP dataand generate the appropriate requests through the dataflow manager task824 to the GSM task 816.

The GSM task 816 generates the following events to the dataflow managertask 824: Incoming call (Ring); hangup; incoming phone number; rawoutput (any unknown or unexpected results from the GSM (UART) 818 willbe passed back to the dataflow manager task 824 for eventual transportover the SPP connection. However, the eventual mode of operation wouldbe for the dataflow manager task 824 to process or ignore such events);receive SMS/MMS (This will only be supported through the raw AT commandmechanism in this design. The eventual mode of operation is for the GSMtask 816 to recognize a new SMS message, then send them to the dataflowmanager task 824 for further processing.

Bluetooth Task 822: In one embodiment, the Bluetooth task 822 processesrequests form the dataflow manager task 824, generating the appropriatecommands to the Bluetooth (UART) 852. It also processes data from theBluetooth (UART) 852 and generates events to the dataflow manager task824. The Bluetooth task 822 supports the following dataflow manager task824 requests: remote device discovery; Bluetooth authorization codesettings; pairing with a remote device; incoming call (Ring) via HFP-AG;Hangup; incoming phone number; and raw commands (The mode of operationis limited to the SPP interface. This is to support the passthrough pathto the GSM (UART) 852 for SMS/MMS functionality). The Bluetooth task 822generates the following events to the dataflow manager task 824: newconnection; lost connection; dialing; hangup; and raw commands (Thismode of operation is limited to the SPP interface. This is to supportthe passthrough path to the GSM (UART) 852 for SMS/MMS functionality).

Dataflow Manager Task 824: In one embodiment, the dataflow manager task824 is the central hub of operation in the design. It has the followingmajor roles: monitoring the GSM status; management and control of GSMconnections (dialing, hangup, answering, SMS, etc.); management andcontrol of Bluetooth connections (ringing, hangup, etc.); management ofOTA firmware images in flash; passthrough of data between GSM andBluetooth SPP connections; switch monitoring and LED control); flashmanagement of SMS, MMS, and NFC data.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a system architecture in accordance withembodiments of the present technology is shown. FIG. 9 shows dataflowmanager 901 coupled with a NFC chip, a GSM/GPRS, and Bluetooth 912, aswell as flash 808. In one embodiment, dataflow manager 901 includesdataflow firmware 904 and bootloader 902. In another embodiment,dataflow manager 901 further includes USART1 928 corresponding to NFC(UART) 828 of the NFC chip 908, USART2 918 corresponding to the GSM(UART) 818 of the GSM/GPRS 910, and USART3 952 corresponding to theBluetooth (UART) 852 of the Bluetooth 912. Further, dataflow manager 901is also coupled with flash 808.

In one embodiment, the NFC chip 908 can communicate with UAE 934 andMCRM 936 and includes an NFC radio 914, and NFC protocol 916, as well asthe NVD (UART) 828. In one embodiment, the GSM/GPRS 910 includes the GSMradio 918, the GSM application 920, an I2S 922, as well as the GSM(UART) 818. In one embodiment, the Bluetooth 912 includes a Bluetoothradio 924, a Bluetooth application 926, an I2S 928, as well as theBluetooth (UART) 852.

In one embodiment, UAE 930 may be a Bluetooth device that is capable ofcommunications with the Bluetooth radio 924 over a communication and adata port. For example, the UAE 930 may be a headset. In one embodiment,a second UAE 932 may also be a Bluetooth device and communicates withthe Bluetooth radio 924 over a command port.

Further, FIG. 9 shows flash 808 as comprising user memory 905 andfirmware 906, in one embodiment. Firmware 906 includes, but is notlimited to the following: MCU firmware; Bluetooth firmware; GSMfirmware; and near field communications parameters.

Various embodiments of the present technology are thus described. Whilethe present technology has been described in particular embodiments, itshould be appreciated that the present technology should not beconstrued as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed accordingto the following claims.

Operations for Tagging an Element

Referring now to 1200 of FIG. 12, a process for tagging an element. Itshould be appreciated that 1200 is not limited to a particular orderunless otherwise noted. At 1205, provide a mobile communicationsresource manager platform. At 1210, provide a first cellular wirelessmodem. At 1215, provide at least one, first, non-cellular wirelessmodem. At 1220, a tagging mode is entered at the MCRM upon receiving acommand from a user. In one embodiment, the user commands entry totagging mode by pressing an appropriate button on either the MCRM or aUAE device.

At 1225, a tag is read upon tapping the MCRM to a desired tag element.Such a tapping could be a physical tap or could be placing the MCRM inclose proximity to the tag element. At 1230, additional data is receivedfrom the user at the MCRM wherein the additional data is user generatedregarding an experience of the user as it relates to the context of thetag element. At 1235, MCRM transmits the data from the tag and theadditional data via an appropriate radio as determined by the MCRMconnection manager ruleset to the tagging service. At 1240, taggingservice handles the lookup of tag specific and user specific informationand processes said information as indicated by the tagging serviceruleset and any optional user specific rules. At 1245, MCRM notifies theuser via the limited user interface of the MCRM and/or the userinterface provided by the at least one connected uae device that thetagging service has processed the transaction.

Operations for Pairing a First Mobile Communications Resource ManagerPlatform to a Second Mobile Communications Resource Manager Platform

Referring now to 1200 of FIG. 12, a process for tagging an element. Itshould be appreciated that 1200 is not limited to a particular orderunless otherwise noted. At 1305, provide a first and second mobilecommunications resource manager platform. At 1310, provide a firstcellular wireless modem on each MCRM. At 1315, provide at least one,first, non-cellular wireless modem on each MCRM. At 1320, receiving arequest from the second MCRM at the first MCRM to transfer the user'spersonal information suitable for use in commercial transactions andcommunication operations stored on the smart card. At 1325, the FirstMCRM and the second MCRM both enter pairing and NFC active mode. At1330, the first and second MCRM are physically tapped together, thefirst MCRM is active, recognizes the second MCRM as inactive. At 1335,the first MCRM transmits a security identity token to the second MCRMand the second MCRM acknowledges the receipt of the security identitytoken to the first MCRM. At 1340, the second MCRM accepts securityidentity token from the first MCRM and uses the token to request asynchronization session via the appropriate radio resource. At 1345, thefirst MCRM enters the unauthorized inactive mode and initiates a powerdown sequence. At 1350, the second MCRM enters the authorized activestandby mode.

APPENDIX A

The following is a glossary of terms used throughout the disclosure:

-   API: Application Programming Interface-   Bluetooth: Short Range Wireless Communications System-   BOM: Bill of Materials-   cdma2000: Code-division multiple access standard circa 2000-   Cloud: Remoted networked computing system-   eComerce: Electronic Commerce-   EDGE: Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution; part of 2nd Generation    cellular networks “2G”-   EVDO: Evolution-Data Optimized component of 3G system-   GPRS: General Packet Radio Service-   GPS: Global Positioning System-   GSM: Group Special Mobile, now Global System for Mobile    Communications-   HSPA: High-Speed Packet Access for 3rd Generation (3G) networks-   iRDA: Infrared Data Association-   LAN Local Area Network-   LED: Light Emitting Diode-   LTE: Long-Term Evolution also known as 4th Generation (4G)-   MCRM: Mobile Communications Resource Management System-   MMS: Multi-Media Messaging Service-   MNO: Mobile Network Operator-   MP3: Mpeg audio layer 3 data encoding/decoding standard for audio    digital systems-   MPEG: Moving Picture Experts Group-   NFC: Near-Field Communications very short range wireless-   OS: Operating System (for a processor/computer)-   OTA: Over the Air-   PAN: Personal Area Network-   PC: Personal Computer-   PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network-   POS: Point of Sale-   QoS: Quality of Service-   RF: Radio Frequency-   RIL: Radio Interface Layer-   SC-TDMA: Single-Carrier Time Division Multiple Access-   SDR: Software-Defined Radio-   SIM: Subscriber Identity Module-   SKU: Stock-Keeping Unit-   SMS: Short Message Service-   UAE: User Accessible Electronic Device-   UI: User Interface-   Universal Mobile Telecommunications System for 3G UMTS: networks-   USB: Universal Serial Bus-   Wi-Fi: Trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance; designates a wireless local    area network-   WiMax: Worldwide Interoperatbility for Microwave Access Access is a    telecommunications protocol that provides fixed and fully mobile    Internet access.-   WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network

1. A mobile communications resource manager, comprising: at least one smart card configured to accept and store a user's personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions and communications operations; at least one cellular radio modem; at least one non-cellular radio modem; and a controller configured for: establishing a short-range wireless connection via said non-cellular modem to at least one user accessible electronic device with human interface functionality; accepting a service request from said at least one user accessible electronic device; and making a modem selection by selecting either a cellular or a non-cellular connection via a modem resident in said mobile communications resource manager to provide the communications link for said service request, based on a rule resident in said mobile communications resource manager.
 2. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, wherein said mobile communications resource manager has no high resolution graphical user interface [GUI] display and no alphanumeric keypad.
 3. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, wherein said rule further comprises at least one of the following: making said modem selection based on needs of said service request; making said modem selection based on a user-selected Quality of Service (QoS) metric; making said modem selection based on a conservation of spectrum metric; making said modem selection based on a user preference, and making said modem selection based on a pre-programmed methodology to automate a procedure, without user interaction.
 4. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 3, wherein said conservation of spectrum metric further comprises: selecting a non-cellular modem whenever possible, according to Internet availability of a connection to said service request and Internet availability via said non-cellular modem connection.
 5. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, wherein said rule further comprises: monitoring a QoS metric available from said selected modem and performing a switching function to automatically reconnect communications service to a selected server from a first selected modem to a second selected modem when the QoS metric passes a specified metric threshold.
 6. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 3, wherein said conservation of spectrum metric further comprises: selecting non-cellular modems for a specific communications service according to a sharing agreement between said specific communications service and a user's selected cellular service.
 7. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, wherein said at least one user accessible electronic device is selected from a group comprising: an unlocked cellphone; a netbook; a laptop computer; a desktop computer; a device; an MP3 player; a one-way audio headset; a two-way audio headset; an automobile locking system; an automobile alarm system; an automobile ignition system; an automobile display system; applications processors; and memory.
 8. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, wherein said smart card is configured to synchronize cloud-services based stored data to multiple user accessible electronic devices, wherein each of said multiple user accessible electronic devices has its own set of rules.
 9. The mobile communications resource manage of claim 1, wherein said smart card is configured to synchronize cloud services-based stored data simultaneously without any physical connection from said mobile communications resource manager.
 10. The mobile communications resource manage of claim 1, wherein said cellular radio modem comprises a software-defined radio configured to operate in a mode equivalent to that of a selected cellphone operator.
 11. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, wherein said cellular radio modem comprises a software defined radio that is reconfigurable in said mobile communications resource manager to operate in a mode equivalent to that of a selected cellphone operator.
 12. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, further comprising a buzzer for alerting that an incoming call has been received by said cellular radio modem via a command from said controller.
 13. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, further comprising a buzzer or vibrator for alerting that a transaction has been successfully completed via a near field communication system via a command from said controller.
 14. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, wherein said establishing said short-range wireless connection via said non-cellular modem to at least one user accessible electronic device further comprises providing a password for accessing said at least one user accessible electronic device determined from a lookup table accessible by said controller.
 15. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, wherein said at least one user accessible electronic device is not equipped with a cellular modem.
 16. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, further comprising: a near field communication modem for use in management of connections and proximity based connectionless transactions of said at least one of said plurality of user accessible electronic devices.
 17. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 15, wherein said personal information is further suitable for use in at least one of the following: commercial transactions; credential authentication; and communications operations.
 18. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, wherein said near field communication modem comprises: an identity transfer module configured for enabling a transfer of identity and related personal and system data between at least two mobile communications resource managers that are of a same type, wherein one of said at least two mobile communications resource managers is a transfer initiating device, said transfer enabling said initiating device with shared identical credentials and disabling a second device of said at least two mobile communications resource managers, wherein said second device that is disabled loses an ability to access said credentials stored within it, said credentials needed for transaction or identity authentication.
 19. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 1, further comprising: a smart card acceptor module configured for accepting a foreign smart card into said MCRM, wherein upon acceptance, said information is temporarily restricted from use with said foreign smart card, wherein said information comprises personal information and credentials of said user.
 20. A method for managing connections from mobile user accessible electronic devices to a server of interest via a plurality of wireless communications links, comprising: providing a mobile communications resource manager platform; providing at least one smart card with a memory for use with said mobile communications resource manager platform; providing at least one cellular wireless modem; providing at least one non-cellular wireless modem; providing a controller resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform, said controller configured for: establishing a short-range wireless connection to at least one user accessible electronic device via a non-cellular modem; accepting a communications service request from said at least one user accessible electronic device; and selecting either a cellular or a non-cellular connection via said mobile communications resource manager platform to provide a communications link for said communications service request, based on a rule resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform.
 21. The method for managing connections of claim 20, further comprising: utilizing a user interface on said at least one accessible electronic device to perform voice phone calls.
 22. The method for managing connections of claim 20, further comprising: utilizing a user interface on said at least one accessible electronic device to perform SMS services.
 23. The method for managing connections of claim 20, further comprising: utilizing a user interface on said at least one accessible electronic device to perform MMS services.
 24. The method for managing connections of claim 20, further comprising: utilizing a user interface on said at least one accessible electronic device to mobile data services.
 25. The method for managing connections of claim 20, further comprising: utilizing a user interface on said at least one accessible electronic device to configure data associated with said at least one accessible electronic device based on data stored on said memory of said smart card, wherein said data comprises: said user interface, applications and services.
 26. The method for managing connections of claim 20, further comprising: utilizing a user interface on said at least one accessible electronic device to authenticate a secure link with said at least one accessible electronic device.
 27. The method of managing connections of claim 20, further comprising: utilizing a user interface on said at least one accessible electronic device to perform reading and writing to said smart card.
 28. The method of utilizing a user interface on said at least one accessible electronic device of claim 27, wherein said reading and writing comprise: conducting a payment transaction.
 29. A method for managing connections from mobile user accessible electronic devices to services of interest via a plurality of wireless communications links, comprising: providing a mobile communications resource manager platform; providing at least one smart card for use with said mobile communications resource manager platform; providing a first cellular wireless modem; providing at least one, first, non-cellular wireless modem; providing a controller resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform, said controller configured for: establishing a short-range wireless connection to at least one user accessible electronic device equipped with a second cellular modem and one second non-cellular modem; accepting a communications service request from said at least one user accessible electronic device; and instructing said at least one user accessible electronic device to use either said second cellular or second non-cellular modem according to said communications service request and a rule resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform.
 30. A mobile communications resource manager (MCRM) comprising a circuit assembly, said circuit assembly comprising: at least one smart card configured for accepting and storing information that is suitable for use in communications operations, said information associated with a user of said MCRM; at least one cellular radio modem; at least one non-cellular radio modem; a controller configured for reading and writing data to said smart card, said controller comprising: a short-range wireless communication system configured for establishing a short-range wireless connection via said non-cellular modem to at least one user accessible electronic device with human interface functionality; a service request receiver configured for receiving a service request from said at least one user accessible electronic device; and a modem selector configured for making a modem selection by selecting either a cellular or a non-cellular connection via a modem resident in said MCRM to provide a communications link for said service request based on a rule resident in said mobile communications resource manager, said communications link being between said at least one user accessible electronic device and a target of said service request.
 31. The MCRM of claim 30, wherein said reading and writing is controllable by said user.
 32. The MCRM of claim 30, wherein said reading and writing is performed via over the air methods.
 33. The MCRM of claim 30, wherein said reading and writing is performed via a linked external device.
 34. The MCRM of claim 33, wherein said linked external device is said user accessible electronic device.
 35. The MCRM of claim 30, further comprising: a USB controller; and a power connection coupled with said USB controller, said power connection configured for drawing power from a power source.
 36. The MCRM of claim 30, further comprising: an on-board rechargeable battery configured for powering said circuit assembly during said communications operations.
 37. The MCRM of claim 30, wherein said communications operations comprises commercial transactions.
 38. The MCRM of claim 30, wherein said communications operations comprises informational transactions.
 39. The MCRM of claim 30, further comprising: at least one internal antenna configured for providing transmission and reception in RF frequency bands.
 40. The MCRM of claim 30, further comprising: optionally one external antenna configured for providing transmission and reception in RF frequency bands.
 41. The MCRM of claim 30, wherein said circuit assembly is mounted to at least one of the following: a single sided rigid circuit board; a double sided circuit board; and a flexible plastic substrate.
 42. The MCRM of claim 30, further comprising: radio transmission authorization module comprising: a single external user controlled button; and an internal microcontroller and firmware associated with said single external user controlled button, wherein said radio transmission authorization module is configured for authorizing at least one of the following: radio transmission of device pairing information; user specified information; application program interfaces; and unique identifiers from said smart card.
 43. The MCRM of claim 42, wherein said radio transmission authorization module is configured for triggering phone communication using a number of user designated phone numbers registered in said smart card.
 44. The MCRM of claim 30, further comprising: a smart card acceptor module configured for accepting a foreign smart card into said MCRM, wherein upon acceptance, said information is temporarily removed by said foreign smart card, wherein said information comprises personal information and credentials of said user.
 45. The MCRM of claim 30, further comprising: a near field communication modem for use in management of connections and proximity based connectionless transactions of said at least one of said plurality of user accessible electronic devices.
 46. The MCRM of claim 45, wherein said personal information is further suitable for use in at least one of the following: commercial transactions; informational transactions; credential authentication; and communications operations.
 47. A method for rating an application, said method comprising: providing a mobile communications resource manager platform; providing at least one smart card with a memory for use with said mobile communications resource manager platform; providing at least one cellular wireless modem; providing at least one non-cellular wireless modem; providing a controller resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform, said controller configured for: establishing a short-range wireless connection to at least one user accessible electronic device via a non-cellular modem; accepting a communications service request from said at least one user accessible electronic device; and selecting either a cellular or a non-cellular connection via said mobile communications resource manager platform to provide a communications link for said communications service request, based on a rule resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform; receiving information related to an application behavior at said mobile communications resource manager platform; transmitting said information to a rating service; and indicating to said user that said data was transmitted.
 48. A mobile communications resource manager, comprising: at least one smart card configured to accept and store a user's personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions (physical tap or electronically) and communications operations; at least one cellular radio modem; at least one non-cellular radio modem; and a controller configured for: establishing a short-range wireless connection via said non-cellular modem to at least one user accessible electronic device with human interface functionality; accepting a service request from said at least one user accessible electronic device; and making a modem selection by selecting either a cellular or a non-cellular connection via a modem resident in said mobile communications resource manager to provide the communications link for said service request, based on a rule resident in said mobile communications resource manager; an identity module configured for: receiving a request, from a second mobile communications resource manager, to transfer said user's personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions (physical tap or electronically) and communication operations stored on said smart card; transferring said user's personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions (physical tap or electronically) and communication operations to said second mobile communications resource manager; and disabling said user's personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions and communication operations at said smart card.
 49. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 48, wherein said disabling said user's personal information comprises removing said user's personal information from said smart card.
 50. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 48, wherein said identity transfer module is further configured to accomplish said receiving said request occurs after said mobile communications resource manager physically contacts said second mobile communications resource manager.
 51. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 48, wherein said identity transfer module is further configured to accomplish said receiving and said transferring via a personal area network.
 52. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 48, wherein said identity transfer module is further configured to accomplish said receiving and said transferring via a multiplexer to separate a physical channel into multiple channels each used for specific operations.
 53. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 48, wherein said pairing module is further configured to accomplish said receiving and said transferring without requiring a physical element of said mobile communications resource manager to be transferred to said second mobile communications resource manager.
 54. A method for pairing a first mobile communications resource manager platform to a second mobile communications resource manager platform, comprising: providing a first mobile communications resource manager platform coupled to at least one cellular wireless modem and to at least one non-cellular wireless modem; providing at least one smart card with a memory for use with said mobile communications resource manager platform; providing a controller resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform, said controller configured for: establishing a short-range wireless connection to at least one user accessible electronic device via a non-cellular modem; accepting a communications service request from said at least one user accessible electronic device; and selecting either a cellular or a non-cellular connection via said mobile communications resource manager platform to provide a communications link for said communications service request, based on a rule resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform; receiving a request, from a second mobile communications resource manager platform, to transfer said user's personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions and communication operations stored on said memory of said smart card; transferring said user's personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions and communication operations to said second mobile communications resource manager platform; and disabling said user's personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions and communication operations at said memory of said smart card.
 55. The mobile communications resource manager of claim 54, wherein said disabling said user's personal information comprises removing said user's personal information from said smart card.
 56. The method of claim 54, wherein said receiving said request occurs after physically contacting said first mobile communications resource manager platform with said second mobile communications resource manager platform.
 57. The method of claim 54, wherein said receiving said request and said transferring is accomplished without requiring a physical element of said first mobile communications resource manager platform to be transferred to said second mobile communications resource manager platform.
 58. A method for tagging an element, said method comprising: providing a mobile communications resource manager platform; providing at least one smart card with a memory for use with said mobile communications resource manager platform; providing at least one cellular wireless modem; providing at least one non-cellular wireless modem; providing a controller resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform, said controller configured for: establishing a short-range wireless connection to at least one user accessible electronic device via a non-cellular modem; accepting a communications service request from said at least one user accessible electronic device; and selecting either a cellular or a non-cellular connection via said mobile communications resource manager platform to provide a communications link for said communications service request, based on a rule resident in said mobile communications resource manager platform; entering a tagging mode at said mobile communications resource manager platform upon receiving a command from a user; reading a tag upon said mobile communications resource manager platform physically tapping a tag element; transmitting data related to said tag to a tagging service via an appropriate radio determined by said mobile communications resource manager platform; and indicating to said user that said data was transmitted.
 59. The method of claim 58 wherein said reading said tag occurs via said non-cellular wireless modem.
 60. The method of claim 58, further comprising: receiving additional data at said mobile communications resource manager platform from said user wherein said additional data is user generated regarding an experience of said user relating to a context of said tag element; and transmitting said additional data to said tagging service.
 61. The method of claim 60, wherein said receiving said additional information is received from an interface associated with said mobile communications resource manager platform.
 62. The method of claim 60, wherein said receiving said additional information is received from said at least one user accessible electronic device.
 63. The method of claim 58 wherein said transmitting said data related to said tag further comprises transmitting identity data related to an identity of said user.
 64. The method of claim 58 further comprising: receiving data from said tagging service related to said tag at said mobile communications resource manager platform.
 65. A mobile communications resource manager, comprising: at least one smart card configured to accept and store a user's personal information suitable for use in commercial transactions (physical tap or electronically) and communications operations; at least one cellular radio modem; at least one non-cellular radio modem; and a controller configured for: establishing a short-range wireless connection via said non-cellular modem to at least one user accessible electronic device with human interface functionality; accepting a service request from said at least one user accessible electronic device; and making a modem selection by selecting either a cellular or a non-cellular connection via a modem resident in said mobile communications resource manager to provide the communications link for said service request, based on a rule resident in said mobile communications resource manager; a tag reader configured to read a data from a tag element upon said mobile communications resource manager platform physically tapping said tag element. 